Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Town Clerk
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Town Clerk
Dog licenses are available in January of each year. Proof of rabies vaccination and, if applicable, proof of spaying/neutering is required to obtain a license. Licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office. The fee for an unaltered dog is $15 per dog and for an altered it is $10 per dog. Dog license application (PDF)
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Only a U.S. citizen, resident of Massachusetts who will be 18 years old on or before an election. You must register 20 days before an election or the annual town meeting and 10 days before a special town meeting. If you live in Precinct A,C or D, your poll location is the Great Barrington Fire Station at 37 State Road. If you live in Precinct B, your polling location is the Housatonic Community Center at the corner of Main Street & Pleasant Street in the Village of Housatonic.Town Clerk
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Town Clerk
If you have moved within the same town, notify the Town Clerk’s office in person or by calling 413-528-1619, press 2 then 1 or by email at jrisen@townoggbma.gov. If you have moved to a new town or city please notify the officials there and reregister to vote. Your registration does not automatically follow you.
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The Town Clerk serves as the Register of Vital Records and Statistics for the Town of Great Barrington. The Clerk accepts for filing, and maintains the records of all births and deaths as well as filings for marriage licenses that occur in Great Barrington as well as birth and death records of residents that occur in another community within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Providing certified copies of these records is an important service provided by the Town Clerk’s Office. The fee for a certified copy of a birth, marriage or death record is $10. The Public Records Law allows ten days to fulfill a request for a public record, however, in most cases we are able to accommodate your request within a day.Town Clerk
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Generally during the month of May. The Selectmen must set the dates every year prior to the end of February. Traditionally the town meeting is held on the first Monday in May and the town election is held on the second Tuesday in May.Town Clerk
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Town Clerk
Voter Registration forms are available at the Town Clerk’s office. You may also register at the Registry of Motor Vehicles when you transact any business. You may also register to vote online at Secretary of the Commonwealth's website
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Massachusetts General Laws require that cities and towns conduct an annual census of its residents as of January 1 of each year. The local census is used to maintain voting and jury lists as well as aid in school enrollment projections, public safety, and senior citizens’ needs and for certain privileges such as veterans’ benefits and proof of residency for state colleges and universities. The census information does not register anyone to vote, but failure to answer the census may result in a voter’s name being removed from the voter’s list.Town Clerk
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Town Clerk
Please see Marriage Information page or go to Citizen Information Service at Getting Married in Massachusetts | Mass.govhttps://www.mass.gov/getting-married-in-massachusetts.
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Any person(s) conducting business in Great Barrington in a name other than the complete real name of the owner, whether individually or as a partnership. Any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name (must be filed by a corporate officer).Town Clerk
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July 1 through June 30Town Clerk
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Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's office no longer sells these licenses. Contact the area Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at 413-447-9789 or You may purchase licenses online at Buy Fishing or Hunting Licenses | Mass.gov
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You may come into the office and pick up the forms or call and we will mail them to you. The fee is $10 and only non-profit organizations that have been in existence for a minimum of 2 years may apply. The forms must be signed by the Chief of Police prior to being submitted to the Town Clerk’s office.Town Clerk