Most Lexington voters—around 80 to 90%—don’t cast a ballot in local elections, despite the town’s 92% voter registration rate. The Vision for Lexington subcommittee on local election voter participation is looking to change this. In a draft report it will soon send to the Select Board, it proposes many recommendations for increasing voter participation.
The subcommittee’s main recommendation is to create a “task force,” including at least two Lexington High School (LHS) and Minuteman High School students, to work on reducing voting barriers and increasing turnout in a multi-year effort. This task force or committee could assist in getting people to the polls, using mail-in ballots, overcoming language and ability barriers, improving communications about local elections, or even developing local civics education programs, news articles, and outreach to town affinity groups.
In the 2023 town elections, voter turnout was just 9%. The majority of voters were 65 and older, and over 80% were above 50. In 2024, Town Meeting considered a proposal to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections to increase young voter participation, but the motion did not pass.
To increase voter turnout, the subcommittee stressed the importance of spreading awareness on the impacts of local elections. Fernando Quezada, a member of the subcommittee, talked about a “conscious civic culture,” where individuals are aware of their roles, responsibilities, and contribution to the well-being of their community and are motivated to use their voice to enact positive change. He mentioned, “I do know that civic culture varies among towns, certainly, but it also varies among people.” The subcommittee discussed how this must be created and that the Select Board is limited in its ability to create culture.
However, there are many things that can be done to strengthen civic engagement in Lexington. In the subcommittee’s draft report, it notes the importance of social connectedness, personal contact (such as door-to-door canvassing), preregistration, and civic education. Additionally, the report mentions that voter turnout can increase when voters are voting in contested elections, have reduced barriers, and have more convenient data access.
Most of Lexington’s elections go uncontested, which may be hurting Lexington’s voter turnout. Because of this, the draft report suggests creating a public fund to partially finance local political campaigns to incentivize competitive elections.
For informing voters, the report recommends creating a town voting awareness day, establishing a budget and program for a vote-by-mail information campaign, and a program that would promote local election voting and civic engagement. The subcommittee also discussed the possibility of utilizing social media as a means of informing the public.
To reduce voting barriers, the subcommittee suggests increasing the number of mail-in ballot drop boxes, informing the community on voting by mail and on accessing rides to polls, and raising awareness of voting accommodations for people with disabilities. It would like to engage the Commission on Disability to assess whether ballots have poor contrast for low vision and make improvements, make Lexpress free on local election days, and apply for grants for programs that promote civic participation through voting. The subcommittee would also like to increase support to the Town Clerk’s office, assessing whether there are enough resources and personnel and whether the Town Clerk would benefit from having a committee to offer advice and assistance.
To improve access to demographic information, the draft report recommends modernizing how Lexington collects and keeps data on voting, censuses and schools, while ensuring privacy laws are followed in a unified database. It proposes petitioning the state to modernize and make uniform voting and demographic data across cities and towns of the Commonwealth. The subcommittee would also like to explore how to better communicate with the residents of Lexington.
The earliest that a vote on these proposed ideas could come is July. The draft report emphasizes that local voter participation is vital for giving town citizens a voice, allowing everyone to contribute to the well-being of the community.
There’s a simple fix that should hugely increase voter participation Vote on election day in November, instead of some random day in the spring! Whatever adjustment to town processes and calendars this requires would only have to happen once, with the benefit of recurring annual alignment of people’s expectations of when voting occurs.
Agree completely, David. Except for one correction: that random day is actually in the winter!
The most obvious solution is to move the date to coincide with other elections (e.g., primaries in September.)
This is a great discussion to have, and thank you Lexington Observer, for being there and for teeing it up!
I have been an active participant in town government since 1997, when I was first elected to Town Meeting. But by then I already had lived here, in the same precinct, for 13 years. So for those years I left it all up to others. I was reflecting the habits of voters where I grew up, who basically did not expect to make a difference in local government whether or not they voted. They expected to be ignored and pushed around. I had not lived in a place with a democratic and powerful town meeting assisted by dozens of policy committees.
Once elected—not before!—I learned that being a participant means doing some homework and putting in some time. The homework and time are not back-breaking but they aren’t trivial.
We have an exemplary town government if you want opportunities to participate, starting with the 21 Town Meeting seats in every precinct. And individual Town Meeting members and appointed members of other committees make a huge difference in policy, so long as they are willing to work with and compromise with others. It’s a reasonable amount of work considering the responsibility entrusted in you.
In my observation, most elected and appointed committee members have a harder time compromising than they have working. Most people who get elected are dedicated enough to do some research and work. If you’re one member with a “great idea” you still have to persuade a majority to vote with you and you may not get your way on every aspect. Voters, especially “single issue” voters, should also consider that their favorite candidate could have an uphill battle. The answer is not greater voter turnout, because you’re the same candidate whether you win with a hundred votes or 3000 votes. It’s more candidates! Get more people elected who see things your way.
You make some mistakes as a policy maker, and if you’re elected to the position, you may pay with loss of your seat next time. That’s as it should be! I have on occasion knowingly encouraged disgruntled people to run for Town Meeting even when I know they will often vote against me. I would rather hear their voices in clear opposition than hear grumbling from disaffected people who may not even have voted.
Because we have a participatory, democratic, powerful government, I am much more concerned with citizen participation, meaning getting elected or appointed, than with voting percentages. I loved the 2025 election because almost every seat was contested. The voter participation was higher, too, and I think that is obviously because there were controversies in town, such as the MBTA rezoning, and those motivated new candidates to run or to win where they had previously lost.
There are definitely political factions in the town government, meaning groups of like-minded officials, and sometimes backed up by dedicated fundraisers, closely guarded mailing lists, letter writers (but see below), and some of the trappings of political parties.
I have been known since Day 1 of my participation as a liberal, sometimes “too liberal.” Maybe “not liberal enough” on occasion, but those times were fewer! In my view there also is a conservative faction, but it is smaller and weaker than it was in past times, if we mean strong enough to elect, say, a dedicated social conservative to the School Committee. I don’t think there is an easy labeling scheme that will sort that out for voters, though. The factions change over time regarding their “platform” issues. For example, there is a definite divide between housing advocates and environmental advocates that did not exist 25 years ago. The “liberal” of the year 2000 may be hard to predict on such issues. So voters need to understand who stands for what on the issues of the day. Their friends and spouses may be able to “tell them whom to vote for,” if they bring up something specific.
Because of the fluidity of the liberal and conservative factions, I have never thought it was a good idea to deliberately hold town elections on the same date as major state and national elections. Those elections, of course, have higher turnouts, but are the extra voters who turn out more informed about local elections? No, not in my opinion. There would be even more liberals/Democrats outvoting conservatives/Republicans than in town elections, but as a liberal, I prefer having to win voters who are following the issues. And I don’t always win, but I still think that’s the right way to do business in a participatory government.
The role of an active newspaper is crucial, in my view. We candidates used to make special efforts to attend to the Minuteman with guest editorials and letters, sometime winning the paper’s endorsement. The existence of neighborhood associations and ethnic associations and their forums is also enormously important, especially when they endorse. The hardest thing for candidates is to be sure they have actually gotten in front of enough voters to make a difference, so anything that assists in that way, including by proxy, is important. Voter participation will follow, to some extent, if a voter gets advice from trusted sources, just as one gets it from a more engaged spouse or partner.
The last town election (March 2025) had contested races for Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee as well as contested races for Town Meeting in most precincts. Voter turnout was higher than usual because there were real differences among the candidates, but the percent of registered voters who participated still ranged only from a low of 22% (precinct 3) to 31% (precinct 4). (Results here: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/629/Election-Results). The biggest issue I’ve encountered when talking with people who don’t regularly vote in Town elections is their not feeling informed about the differences among candidates (so feel unsure who to vote for & not want to make an error) or how the vote outcome will impact town governance and their own lives (so why bother; people lead busy lives). Meanwhile, each and every candidate running for town-wide office works hard to share exactly that kind of information! They hold coffee hours and other opportunities to meet voters and participate in numerous panels hosted by a variety of local civic groups–and are profiled here in LO too! A program to promote civic engagement and better understanding of our local government, in line with Fernando Quezada’s comments, seems like the most fruitful way to make a change in voter turnout.
How about a one word description such as ‘Liberal’ or ‘Conservative’ or ‘Independent’ on the ballot and in news articles, for those running for local office? On the state and federal ballots we have ‘Democrat’, ‘Republican’, and ‘Independent’, which is helpful
for less well known offices and candidates.
I can understand why many people don’t feel informed enough to vote. Information about the candidates, other than flyers received at one’s home, don’t just fall into our laps. People have to seek out information. My husband, who doesn’t follow town elections unless we know someone who is running, relies on me to tell him who I’m voting for an why. There are times, not in Town elections, but in State elections, where we have made different choices. But, the key is discussions between town residents on a personal level. Voting is easy – you only have to sign up for “mail-in” ballots and you’ll get one for every election delivered right to your door. Those serve as reminders to vote. Deciding which candidates to support requires effort. And, it can be confusing. So, I get it. But, I was brought up to vote in every single election. My parents did and they told me that it was imperative that I did. I tried to instill that in my kids and I, personally, send them reminders about their elections. I guess it’s up to us. Post on social media. Send people email newsletters for the Lexington Observer and let them know they should sign up. Knowing, now, that the turnout was pretty pathetic, I’m going to do more. If you’re reading this, you are probably already doing a lot.
A larger part of voter disassociation stems from the lack of diversity of view points represented in Lexington government and any neutral open “zones” in which a real sharing can take place. Open forums and public meeting comments usually amount only to serially airing statements for two mins and then on to the next. Too few of our public meetings allow for real moderated discourse and engagement. Too few reinforce understanding and concerns that are raised. Much of the town discussion is dominated by Town Meeting Members and board members with very little outside opinion truly welcomed. (I am not disparaging those that serve. But it’s a difficult group to try to address.) There are few feasible outlets for hearing and positively exploring diverse viewpoints or even basic information- most that do exist are embedded in social media not designed for honest discussion; most lists shy understandably shy away from debate. If we really want to increase voting and resident participation, folks have to believe that they will be respectfully heard; but more importantly that their views will be taken seriously and have some impact in town’s decisions. I think for many years now, this has NOT been the case. No doubt I will be attacked for saying this. I have loved being in Lexington for many years – as we’ve grown I see this as a huge change in our governance. (It would also help if elections and votes were scheduled at more opportune time, particularly to coincide with other national elections and avoid holidays). Perhaps it’s time to rethink the organization of our town management.
In the spirit of “Let it Begin Here”, we should consider compulsory voting. While this is a long shot, Massachusetts has a long history of considering compulsory voting.
I agree with those who suggest we make the adjustments necessary to have the local election happen when state/national elections happen.
At the outset let us thank all the wonderful members of The Vision for Lexington subcommittee who after working very hard on local election voter participation have come out In a draft report which will be send to the Select Board, — many proposals and
recommendations for increasing voter participation.
Every recommendation has very good merits and have and will bring in further comments
I am posting the following recommendation no 4 and adding my comments —
– they are stating based on their research “higher turn out when there were contested elections”
How and what do we do to bring about more contestants ?
My thoughts are
1 term limits with scattered terms
select board 2 terms
2 town members and moderator 3 terms
3 make all major committees for contesting
such as school , planning( done) but add appropriation finance or other major or important committees as contesting for members
Term limits Two terms? Scattered
There are many committees where members are appointed by moderator ( two or more) ,town manager and select board and else? based on their merits and volunteers coming forward – thank you volunteers and appointee committees
Keep one or two out of them as contestants or all for contestants minus two ?
Very highly talented citizens may want to help but may not want to contest so few of the members can get appointed in all different comittee by select board town manager moderator etc but that too with term limits
Mass state govt has many comittees where members are selected but with term limits
Example being Board of registrations in medicine, nursing etc
Done for years with success?
Participatory democracy would work to its maximum advantage and benefit if there are more contestants .Hopefully my thoughts may open up further thoughts – may not be possible because of town and state laws but
let us bring more citizens at the booth – they will love putting in that sacred ballot in that wonderful place and with pride.- Provide some incentive and may be my thoughts will create further discussions
Our minuteman standing tall for years will be proud of the citizens who cares for and helps this wonderful town in their contd quest for excellence and inclusion and be happy
Thank you The Vision for Lexington subcommittee and all who are posting good comments
Dinesh Patel
precinct 6 tm
Recommendation 4 from The Vision for Lexington subcommittee
Studies show that voter turnout is typically higher in contested elections, but most Lexington elections go uncontested. Contested elections also give voters a choice, possibly improving representation. We therefore recommend:
THIS IS probably the most engaging conversation that we all can have at this time of our lives in Lexington. So, without any further delay, let me convey my sincerest Thanks to the whole LexObserver team for raising this most valuable piece of a topic. YES!!! WE have to VOTE. Voting is a Right which every citizen/ eligible for vote needs to take seriously. Working within the limitations and the boundaries that we have, we still MUST VOTE. This is essential. We pay taxes here. We raise our children here. We enjoy the beautiful town and all its amenities. Why won’t we vote? NO word can suffice how much power we all have in any decision making process and we all need to recognize the need for exercising our voting rights. Many a times, history shows, special interest groups win as only their people make the most noise and come to vote as well, and community/ country fail to choose a true leader just because every single independent mind does not care to vote. AND, when we choose a wrong leader, the harm is way too dangerous. When we choose a wrong community leader, abuse of power is prevalent and the community bears the harm for a long time including our children! Every resident should and must vote if they are eligible to vote. As a happy volunteer of my town of Lexington, as an independent thinker and an extremely lucky first generation immigrant, a proud citizen of USA, an absolutely devoted Indian American of Lexington, I will be at my polling booth to vote for Debt Exclusion on Dec 8th! I hope to see EVERYONE from my Manor neighborhood and beyond on a working Monday to vote for DE! I will be there after work as I serve the beloved student community at LPS! I will not feel tired like every other day because I know, My vote will have that necessary power in the right decision making process! If we all deeply care about our town and its decisions, we have to make necessary arrangements and come out and vote at every single instance! Ask your neighbor how can they help when you go to vote? take out food from our local restaurants and vote. Make arrangements with your child’s extra curricular activities and vote. If there is a wish, there is a way!