What is the purpose of the annual town census/street list?

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.