Running For Office In Local Government: Spring 2026 Elections
Your guide to making a difference in your community by running for office in the Spring 2026 elections.
Why You Should Consider Running for Office
It’s often said that "All Politics is Local," a phrase famously championed by former Massachusetts Representative Tip O’Neill. While national headlines often dominate our attention, it is at the local level—in our own neighborhoods and schools—where individual action yields the most immediate impact. The Acton Area League of Women Voters (LWVAA) operates on a strictly non-partisan mission: we never support or oppose any political party or candidate, but we work tirelessly to ensure every citizen has the information they need to participate in our democracy. As we look toward the 2026 spring elections, the LWVAA is preparing a robust schedule of voter education initiatives, including candidate forums and the publication of our annual Voters Guide, to help residents of Acton, Boxborough, and surrounding towns make informed choices at the ballot box.
The sense of fulfillment in moving our school community forward remains a powerful motivator for those who serve. If you are considering a run, now is the time to act: nomination papers are available starting in early January, with filing deadlines of March 23 for Acton and April 14 for Boxborough. Acton’s Annual Town Election will be held on April 28, followed by Boxborough’s on June 2. By stepping up to run, you join a dedicated tradition of volunteerism that sustains our local government. The Acton Area League of Women Voters stands ready to support an informed electorate through these upcoming elections, ensuring that while politics remains local, it also remains transparent and accessible to all.
Open Seats and Key Dates in Your Town
Acton: Paperwork due March 23, local elections April 28, Town Meeting May 4.
Boxborough: Paperwork due April 14, local elections May 18, Town Meeting June 2.
Hudson: Paperwork due March 23. Town Meeting May 4, local elections May 11.
Littleton: Paperwork due March 23, Town Meeting May 4, local elections May 11.
Maynard: Paperwork due March 17, local elections May 18, Town Meeting May 5.
Stow: Paperwork due March 25, local elections May 9, Town Meeting May 16.
| Town | Position | Term | No. of Open Positions |
| Acton | Select Board | 3 Years | 2 |
| Acton | School Committee (AB Regional) | 3 Years | 3 |
| Acton | Town Moderator | 1 Year | 1 |
| Acton | Memorial Library Trustee | 3 Years | 1 |
| Acton | Acton Housing Authority | 5 Years | 1 |
| Acton | Water District Clerk | 3 Years | 1 |
| Acton | Water District Commissioner | 3 Years | 1 |
| Boxborough | Select Board | 3 Years | 2 |
| Boxborough | School Committee (AB Regional) | 3 Years | 2 |
| Boxborough | Planning Board | 3 Years | 2 |
| Boxborough | Library Trustees | 3 Years | 2 |
| Boxborough | Board of Health | 3 Years | 1 |
| Boxborough | Town Moderator | 1 Year | 1 |
| Hudson | Select Board | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | School Committee | 3 Years | 2 |
| Hudson | Trustees of Public Library | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Board of Health | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Moderator | 1 Year | 1 |
| Hudson | Trustees of Benevolent Funds | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Housing Authority | 5 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Municipal Light Board | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Park Commission | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Planning Board | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Cemetery Commission | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Constable | 3 Years | 1 |
| Hudson | Board of Assessors | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Select Board | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Town Clerk | 1 Year | 1 |
| Littleton | Board of Assessors | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Light & Water Commissioner | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | School Committee | 3 Years | 2 |
| Littleton | Littleton Housing Authority | 5 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Planning Board | 5 Years | 2 |
| Littleton | Library Trustees | 3 Years | 2 |
| Littleton | Park and Recreation Commissioners | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Cemetery Commissioner | 3 Years | 2 |
| Littleton | Board of Health | 3 Years | 1 |
| Littleton | Trust Fund Commissioner | 3 Years | 1 |
| Maynard | Select Board | 3 Years | 2 |
| Maynard | School Committee | 3 Years | 2 |
| Maynard | Library Trustees | 3 Years | 1 |
| Maynard | Housing Authority | 4 Years | 1 |
| Maynard | Housing Authority | 5 Years | 1 |
| Stow | Select Board | 3 Years | 1 |
| Stow | Nashoba Regional School District Committee | 3 Years | 2 |
| Stow | Planning Board | 5 Years | 1 |
| Stow | Board of Health1 | 3 Years | 1 |
| Stow | Randall Library Trustee | 3 Years | 2 |
| Stow | Stow Housing Authority | 5 Years | 1 |
Interest in Running? Learn More on our Website
The Acton Area League of Women Voters has put together a great guide to running for local office. It includes checklists, videos, and all the links you'll need to get started!
