Recently, the Lowell City Council has voted to draft a home-rule petition to lower the voting age in Lowell from 18 to 17 in municipal elections. This was in response to a Youth-Led City Council Candidates Forum organized by UTEC youth in 2009. At this forum, youth expressed concern about ensuring that their voices are fully heard, and also stated their interest in the need to increase civic engagement among young people.
On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, a motion was introduced to draft a home-rule petition to lower the voting age to 17 in Lowell municipal elections. It passed 8-1. Last Tuesday, December 7th, the Rules Subcommittee also approved the motion for the City Solicitor to draft the official language. Teens from UTEC, Teens Leading the Way (our statewide youth-led advocacy coalition), and the Lowell Youth Council spoke to the council subcommittee members about what lowering the voting age would mean for them and the youth of Lowell.
Tonight, at 6:30pm in Lowell City Hall, the full Council will vote on passing this motion and moving it forward to the state legislature.
Coupled with our statewide efforts to have a civics course as a required high school graduation requirement, we see this motion as a unique opportunity to launch a movement to increase civic action among young people in Lowell and beyond.
How Can You Help?
We are asking that as many supporters attend the meeting which will be held tonight in the Council Chambers of Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, at 6:30 pm. You will join youth and adult supporters as we thank the Lowell City Council for approving this historic vote, and kicking off our campaign to let Lowell lead the way to increase voter and civic engagement in our communities.
