Town Committees

What are Town Committees?

Town Committees are governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 52, Section 1-10. Per the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office:

The basic legal organization of political parties in Massachusetts are the ward and town committees. Each political party may elect a ward or town committee consisting of three to thirty-five members in each ward of a city and in each town for a four year term. Members of ward and town committees serve in the following capacities:

  • represent their party at the local neighborhood level;
  • promote the objectives of the party; and
  • work for the nomination and election of party candidates.

(Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth's "How to Run for Ward or Town Committee" Webpage)

The Secretary of the Commonwealth's How to Run for Ward or Town Committee webpage explains Town Committees in more detail, including eligibility. There is also a downloadable 2024 brochure featuring the same information, as well. 

Freetown's Town Committees

Town Committee lists are awaiting official organization with the Commonwealth following the 2024 Presidential Primary.

Running for Your Local Town Committee

Registered voters in Massachusetts are free to run for a position on their local committee and would appear on their party’s presidential primary ballot.

  • All ward and town committees are required to notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth of the number of members they wish to have elected to the committee on the presidential primary ballot by Tuesday, August 1, 2023
  • Nomination papers will be available to all potential candidates at the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office (One Ashburton Place, Boston), or at the Office of the Town Clerk (3 North Main Street, Assonet) beginning Tuesday August 8, 2023. Papers cannot be obtained electronically.
    • Candidates for local committee may run as individuals or as part of a slate with at least two other candidates. Slates will be listed before individuals on the ballot.
    • Candidates for local committees must have been a registered voter in their town or ward and enrolled in their party for at least 90 days prior to the filing deadline or be a recently registered voter in that party. This means that candidates must be enrolled in their party by Tuesday, August 23, 2023. Candidates must not have been enrolled in a different party (Republican, Democratic or Libertarian Party) since November 21, 2022. 
  • Candidates must submit nomination papers with the appropriate number of signatures with their local board of registrars or election commissioners by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 in order to be certified. 
    • 5 signatures are required from registered party members from the relevant town or ward or registered voters that are not enrolled in any political party (including Unenrolled voters) in order for a candidate or slate to appear on the ballot. It is recommended that candidates acquire more than the required number of signatures.
  • Nomination papers must be picked up from local boards of registrars or election commissioners and filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
  • The presidential primary, at which candidates for local committees will be elected, will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024