WORCESTER— With national elections looming and young people increasingly taking to the streets, campuses, and council chambers, the League of Women Voters of the Worcester Area is betting big on the next generation of voters—and aiming to turn that energy into real electoral power.
The League’s annual meeting, set for Wednesday, June 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Saxe Room of the Worcester Public Library, is both a celebration and a strategy session.
This year’s theme centers on local voting and youth engagement, reflecting a sharp uptick in political involvement from area students and first-time voters.
“We’ve seen an uptick in interest from youth in our community,” League President Erin Jansky told the Worcester Guardian. “From middle school civics projects to student protests, youth are a voting bloc that can make a real difference. They’re our future leaders, and their voices and opinions deserve to be heard and considered.”
Celia Canavan, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, serves as keynote speaker this year. She’s expected to focus her speech on the role of local engagement in cultivating lifelong voting habits—and share insight into how the state’s League supports grassroots organizing across more than 100 Massachusetts communities.
Jansky said the local chapter, an all-volunteer force, has had a productive year—registering new voters at five naturalization ceremonies, hosting voter registration drives at 14 community locations, and partnering with organizations like MOAD, Girls Inc., and the Worcester Public Library to promote civic engagement.
The League also screened documentaries, hosted forums, and worked with schools from Doherty High to Tahanto Regional. It helped organize both local and statewide civics showcases—bringing middle school students together to present research on how government works (or doesn’t).
Despite these gains, turnout among younger voters remains stubbornly low.
“The top reasons youth give for not voting are not liking the candidate options, a lack of information, and a lack of motivation,” Jansky said. “In Massachusetts, the lack of options can be discouraging—many races are uncontested, which can feel pointless for young voters.”
To counter that cynicism, the League has set a “moonshot goal”: 75% voter turnout in Worcester’s municipal elections by 2050. Achieving that, Jansky said, starts by developing the voting habit early.
Light refreshments are served at the event, and validated parking is available for $1 next to the library. The meeting also includes a look back at the past year’s accomplishments and the induction of new board members.
Looking ahead, Jansky said the League plans to expand its efforts as Worcester heads toward the 2025 local elections.
“We hope to promote free, fair, and open elections,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and voting is people power.”
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