Due to new census numbers, Wellesley's voting precincts will change in 2022. The Select Board is looking for input on these changes.
According to Massachusetts State statue, electoral boundaries must be within 5% of average or be reprecincted (redistricted). Numbers collected in the 2020 census show that Wellesley Precincts B and D are above the acceptable range and the boundaries must be redrawn.
Select Board representatives and Town staff have developed a draft map with new precinct boundaries. Their recommendations include the following considerations:
- Meets State requirements
- Limits voter disruption
- Preserves State legislative boundaries (In Wellesley, Precincts B,F, and G are in the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex district. Precincts A, C, D, E and H are in the First Middlesex and Norfolk district.)
- Uses natural boundaries, specifically railroad tracks and major roads
- Near polling locations
- Considers future growth
- Considers school district lines
Using this criteria, the new boundaries would shift some voters from Precinct B to Precinct G near the Central Street railroad tracks. And some voters from Precinct D will move to Precinct C near the Wellesley Farms railroad tracks. The maps below show the current voting precincts and the proposed changes.
PDF versions of both maps are also viewable under the Voting and Elections on the Town Clerk webpages.
Give feedback on the proposed changes by emailing sel@wellesleyma.gov The Select Board will review all comments and vote on a final version of the map on Monday, October 4.