City of Boston Elections Department Joins Boston Public Schools to Boost Civic Engagement on National Voter Registration Day

BOSTON - Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - Today, in honor of National Voter Registration Day, the City of Boston Elections Department and the Mayor's Civic Engagement Cabinet will be joined by Boston Public Schools in hosting a series of activities to ensure that the people of Boston have updated voter registration and are registered to vote.

"It is important that residents exercise their right to vote," said Mayor Walsh. "We live in a democracy and that is what makes our country great. In Boston, many of our residents are engaged in this civic process, but we want them to take it a step further by helping a friend register or teaching a young person how critical it is to let their voices be heard." With October 14th 2015 being the last day to register in the upcoming election, residents are encouraged to update their address or register to vote for the November 3rd Municipal Election. Those who do not wish to enroll in a political party or are looking to be "Independent" should select "No Party Unenrolled."

"This partnership with the City's Election Department and the Office of Civic Engagement is a great opportunity to connect with our students and reinforce some of the lessons they have learned in school: that civic engagement and voter participation are rights that Americans have fought for and are essential to a thriving democracy," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang.  

The City of Boston is participating in the following activities:

Vote-A-Palooza City Hall Plaza 11:00AM   This event will be a free, non-partisan, festive and fun civic fair held on National Voter Registration Day to register voters and help publicize the recent changes in Massachusetts' election laws, especially the state's new online registration system. Vote-A-Palooza is part of a national effort involving volunteers, celebrities and organization from all over the country. This single day of coordinated field, technology and media efforts will create awareness of voter registration opportunities. Organizers include: League of Women Voters, MassVote and MASSPIRG students.

City Hall to Go, Mayor's Department of Civic Engagement Engages Young People in Voting Madison Park High School 3:00PM   Mayor Walsh's City Hall to Go Truck will visit Madison Park High School at dismissal to inspire electoral participation among Boston's young people. Boston Public Schools and the Elections Department will share information about voter registration with students in their senior year. They will be joined by the Lady Liberty Mascot. 

Those who are not registered to vote can register at City Hall in the Election's Department. The Elections Commissioner and staff will be available to answer questions and address concerns regarding the voting process. For more information, contact www.cityofboston.gov/elections.