Left In Lowell

During the bloggers’ on WCAP this past Monday morning, we touched upon was Dick’s (richardhowe.com) analysis of voter registration patterns in Lowell.

During that discussion, we asked why with 51,000 registered voters in the City of Lowell, do we get such a small turnout for municipal elections; in my opinion, the most important one. This is when a vote really counts.

Lowell is not unique. Look at the low turnout in our neighboring towns. Ted Panos mentioned Tewskbury; their elections were held on Saturday. A lot was at stake, yet the turnout was dismal. According to the Sun, the hard-fought election drew 3,649 of the town’s 20,053 registered voters, 18 percent.

In 2006, 21,00 Lowell voters turned out for the gubernatorial election. In 2008, 31,500 Lowell voters turned out for the presidential election. And what happened in between, in the 2007’s municipal election, well about 12,000 Lowell voters came out. Why?

In a recent post, commentators Victoria and ER had a lengthy discussion on charter changes, district representation and cumulative voting. Those are a few ways to get more people involved.

Dick has provided additional information in another post and he promises to continue with additional analysis. Maybe some activists armed with this information will formulate a plan and motivate the electorate.

Otherwise, it will continue to have government of the few for the many.