Register of Probate, Bristol County
September 1, 2026 · Bristol County, Massachusetts · County · primary
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 21 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 582,270 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,638,365 ÷ 582,270) ÷ ln(1,638,365 ÷ 14,483) = 21.88, comparing counties in MA (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
Clerk of Court is responsible for:
- Keeping court records and case files
- Collecting court fines and fees
- Managing jury summons in many places
- Helping the public file and find court documents
Affected Areas: Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Data Privacy
Candidates
Thomas Cleary Hoye, Jr.
Democratic · Incumbent · declared
Thomas Cleary Hoye, Jr. is the Democratic Bristol County Register of Probate and is seeking reelection in 2026. Governor Charlie Baker appointed him to fill the vacancy in 2019, and voters elected him in 2020. Hoye previously served as mayor and city councilor in Taunton and worked as a Taunton public-school teacher.
Election sources
Source: sec.state.ma.us
Source: sec.state.ma.us