Town of Freeport
TOWN CLERK

Hours & Contact Information

Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Office Telephone: 207-865-4743 ext. 122/123 | Fax: 207-865-0929

Mailing Address: 30 Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032

Town Clerk: Beverly Curry | bcurry@freeportmaine.com
Deputy Clerk: Mary Howe | mhowe@freeportmaine.com
VITAL RECORDS

The office maintains and preserves vital records and issues certified copies of:

* Birth records
* Marriage Records
* Death Records

State law requires anyone seeking copies of these records to submit an appropriate application form. See the documents at right for more information.


Vital Records Access Law summary.pdf>>


Obtaining Copies of Vital Records FAQ.pdf>>


Birth Certificate Copy Request form.pdf>>


Marriage Certificate Copy Request form.pdf>>


Death Certificate Copy Request form.pdf>>
LEGAL AND HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS

The office maintains and preserves legal and historical documents:

* Town Council minutes
* Boards and Committees information and minutes
* Ordinance Book
* Legislative Documents
* Filing of sole proprietorships (D/B/A's)
* Oaths of office
* Road Book - discontinuance and acceptance of roads

For further information you may also contact the Freeport Historical Society at 207-865-3170. It is located at 45 Main Street.
LICENSES AND PERMITS

* Marriage
* Dogs
* Hunting and Fishing
* Shellfish (clams)
* Liquor
* Victualer
* Peddler on Public Property
* Junkyards
* Special Amusement
* Pole Permits
* Newspaper Vendors on Public Property
* Commercial Passenger Boat
ELECTIONS

* Supervisor of Elections
* Voter Registration
* Nomination Papers
* Absentee Voting
* Voter lists
* Petition Certification
OTHER SERVICES

* Passport agency
* Marriage ceremonies
* Genealogical research
* Notary Public
* Keeper of Town Seal
ABSENTEE BALLOTS

An absentee voter is any registered voter who requests an absentee ballot prior to election day. The voter does not have to have a reason for voting by absentee ballot. A voter may cast his or her absentee ballot at Town Hall during normal working hours. Absentee ballots are available approximately 30 days prior to the election.

Telephone Request -- A voter may request a ballot by telephone for him/herself only. The clerk completes an application and verifies the voter's identity by confirming the voter's residence and date of birth. The clerk mails the ballot to the voter. No witnesses are needed, unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person must sign the absentee envelope as witnesses. The voter returns the ballot to the clerk by mail or in person.

Written request by the voter (received by mail, by fax or in person) -- A voter may request a ballot by completing an application form or a signed letter of request. The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request. No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person must sign the absentee envelope as witnesses. The voter returns the ballot to the clerk by mail or in person.

Written request by the voter's immediate family member (received by mail, fax or in person) -- An immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sister, brother, stepparent, stepchild, stepsister, stepbrother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, guardian or registered domestic partner (relationship must be indicated on the application) of the voter may request a ballot on behalf of the voter. An application or written request must be completed by the immediate family member. The clerk mails the ballot to the voter at the address listed on the request, or releases the ballot to the immediate family member. No witnesses are needed unless the voter is assisted. If assisted, the aide and one other person must sign the envelope as witnesses. The voter or immediate family member returns the ballot by mail or in person to the clerk.

Written request by the voter (received by mail, fax or in person) 3rd person designated -- Only the voter may request a ballot to be delivered by a third person. The voter must request a ballot delivered by a third person by completing an application or written request.

Absentee ballot request via e-mail
You must be registered to vote in Freeport before you request an absentee ballot by e-mail.
*Go to: http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl
*Choose Option 1
*Select - Freeport
*Select - Complete Online Form
*Complete the Electronic Request Form
*Submit request

Your email request will be printed in the clerk's office. The clerk will then mail your ballots to you at the address you list as the mailing address on the form. Do not submit more than one request.

If you have any questions, you may e-mail the clerk at bcurry@freeportmaine.com
or call 207-865-4743 ext. 123.
PASSPORTS

The Freeport Town Clerk's office is an authorized Passport Acceptance Agency for new and renewal passports. You may get an application at the Town Clerk's office. Or, you can go online to http://www.travel.state.gov to obtain forms. In either case, please complete forms in black ink only. Bring the completed, unsigned DS-11, two passport pictures, your certified birth certificate, a photo ID and a check (that is payable to the US Department of State) to the Town Clerk. The $25 agent fee that goes to the town may be paid by check or cash.

To process an application for a child under the age of 16, both parents and child must be present. If only one parent is able to appear, a sworn affadavit (Form DS-3053) may be submitted for the other parent.

Current fees:

>Passport Book- 16 years and over=$110; under 16=$80
>Passport Card- 16 years and over=$30; under 16=$15

Passports take approximately 6 weeks to process. You can expedite the application for an additional $60.00. With expedited service, the turn around is up to three weeks.

For more information, and to assure an agent is available when you wish to process your application, call the Town Clerk's office at 865-4743, extension 122 or 123.

For information from the federal government, go here:
US Department of State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register to vote?
Residents may register to vote at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Hall. On election day, you may register at the polls. Additionally, residents may register at the Motor Vehicle Department. Bring a photo ID with you. If your photo ID does not list Freeport as your current address, also bring official mail you have received at your Freeport address or other documentation of your physical address.


Where do I vote?
All residents of the town vote at the High School gymnasium, located on Holbrook Street (which is off Main Street across from the Town Hall). Some special municipal elections may be held at Town Hall.


When are elections scheduled?
There is always an election on the First Tuesday after the first Monday of every November. Municipal elections are held at the same time as state elections in November. Special elections are set by the State Legislature and the Town Council as needed.


I will be out of town on Election Day, how do I vote?
Absentee voting begins one month prior to an election. Please see the above section on Absentee Ballots for more information.

How do I obtain a marriage license?
Maine residents must apply in the town/city where they reside. The bride and groom must fill out forms in person at the Town Hall. If the bride and groom reside in separate Maine towns, they may apply in either community. The license is valid for a period of 90 days from the date intentions are filed. The ceremony may be performed in any town or city in the State of Maine.

Out-of-state residents may apply in any Maine town/city. They may then have the marriage ceremony in any town/city in Maine. The license is valid for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed.

If either the bride or groom has previously been married, they must present the clerk with a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce judgment ending the prior marriage.


Where are Vital Records filed?
Vital Records are stored at the Town Hall. Certified copies of vital records may be purchased at the Town Clerk's Office.


How can I obtain a lot at one of the cemeteries in Freeport?
The Town Clerk's office maintains a list of cemeteries and their officers.


How many members serve on the Town Council and RSU #5 Board of Directors?
The Town Council consists of seven members, each of whom serve staggered three year terms. The RSU #5 Board has 6 Freeport members also serving staggered three year terms. These are elected officers. Nomination papers for these positions are available at the Town Clerk's office 100 days prior to election day.


Where and when do they meet?
The Town Council generally meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. The RSU #5 Board generally meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the Freeport High School at 6:30 p.m.


What other Boards and Committees exist in Town and when do they meet?

* Appeals Board - 1st Monday @ 7:00 p.m., Town Hall
* Assessment Review Board - Meets as necessary
* Cable TV Regulatory Board - 4th Wednesday @6:00 p.m., Freeport Town Hall
* Coastal Waters Commission - 2nd Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m., Freeport Community Center
* Conservation Commission - 3rd Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m., Freeport Community Center
* Library Board of Trustees - 1st Monday @ 7:00 p.m., Library
* Planning Board - 1st Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m., Town Hall
* Project Review Board - 2nd Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m., Town Hall
* Staff Review Board - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays as needed @ 1:00 p.m., Town Hall
* Shellfish Commission - 2nd Thursday @ 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center
* Recycling & Solid Waste - 2nd Thursday @ 6:30 p.m., Freeport Community Center
* Winslow Park Commission - 2rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m., @ Freeport Community Center, Oct thru May; @ Farmhouse, June thru September
* Traffic and Parking Committee - 3rd Tuesday @ 7:30 a.m., Town Hall
* Community Center Advisory Committee - As needed, Freeport Community Center


How can I serve on one of these Boards?
Applications are available at the Town Clerk's Office. The Appointments Committee (consisting of three members of the Town Council and Town Manager) reviews these applications when there is a vacancy to be filled on any of the Boards or Committees.


How can I obtain a shellfish license?
Commercial Shellfish Licenses are available only to those who have previously held a commercial license and have successfully completed required conservation work.

A limited number of Recreational Shellfish licenses are available The license is effective July 1 thhrough June 30. The license allows the harvest of one peck of clams per day for personal use only. Recreational digging is allowed in Wolfe Neck State Park without a license.


How do I know when the clam flats are closed?
The Town Clerk's Office receives this information from the Department of Marine Resources and posts this at the Town Hall. This information is also posted at the Public Safety Building. To obtain the information by phone, call the Shellfish Closures Hotline is 865-2904.


When do I need to license my dog?
Dog licenses are required for all dogs who are six months and older. A rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering must be presented when applying for this license. All dog licenses expire December 31 of each year. Late fees are charged for renewals of dog licenses after January 31st.

To register your dog online, please go to the link under ONLINE SERVICES on our website's home page.

A rabies clinic is held every January in the Town Hall and is open to anyone, regardless of residency. Any animal may be vaccinated at the clinic. Clinics are also held several times a year at Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick. For dates and more information, call them at 725-5051 or visit them at their website.



What hunting/fishing license does the town issue?
The Town issues all hunting and fishing licenses available from the Inland Fish and Wildlife Department to Maine Residents only. Out-of-State residents may obtain hunting and fishing licenses at L.L. Bean. To buy a license on-line and for complete information on all aspects of hunting and fishing in Maine, as well as links to all rules, schedules, lotteries, and related news Click Here.


What information do I need to provide in order to obtain a hunting license from the town for the first time?
A firearms hunter safety course card must be presented when obtaining an adult firearm license for the first time (age 16 or older). If the hunter has not held an adult license since January 1, 1976, a firearm hunter safety course is required. An archery safety course card is required when obtaining an adult archery license for the first time. If the hunter has not held an adult license since January 1, 1980, an archery safety course is required.