Don’t Boo. Just Remember to Vote.

While citizen participation is the basis for a strong democracy, key indicators illustrate a troubling trend for civic engagement in the City of Worcester. Low voter turnout, limited competition for local elected offices, and lackluster interest in serving on local boards and commissions indicate a disconnect between residents and local government. At Worcester Technical High School’s June 2014 Commencement Exercises President Barack Obama challenged the crowd with “Don’t Boo. Just Remember to Vote.” This report reviews Worcester’s voting record and other indicators to highlight the issue and offers recommendations for engaging and incorporating more residents into Worcester’s civic life.