Use your voice and vote this election cycle

By Dylan Pichnarcik

Associate Editor

Across the nation, municipalities are preparing to enter the 2025 election cycle which lasts from November to spring depending on the year and the municipality you reside in. 

This includes 56 cities and towns across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, according to the Secretary of State’s website.  

For young voters, these elections may not seem relevant in reshaping the country in a positive way. 

However, they are incredibly important. 

Change starts at the bottom, and the power to enact change is in the hands of the people. 

At a time of such uncertainty and division in the nation, it can be easy to feel powerless - like what you do to support change does not actually matter. But take a step outside of that belief structure. 

Voting matters - your voice matters. This election cycle, you have the opportunity to directly impact your local community by supporting a candidate, casting your vote, and using your First Amendment right. If there are no current elections occurring in your city or town - they will come up quickly. Use this time to educate yourself and prepare to cast your vote.  

Local politicians drive your community. They may seem like bureaucrats tasked with handling ribbon cuttings, school committee meetings, and other events broadcast on local access television. But the work that they do is incredibly important to the community you live in. 

These roles include, but are not limited to, school committees who set standards for the next generation of independent thinkers who will one day lead the country. Mayors and select board members can provide sanctuary for underrepresented groups seeking safety from federal attacks. State houses of government pass laws that shape a state’s identity and reflect the beliefs of the citizens who call a state home. 

You have the opportunity to choose who you want to hold power and who will shape your community - along with the country in a way that is equitable and just for all. 

Along with your right to vote, you hold another opportunity to promote change. Your voice. 

Attending a protest, rally, or social event centered around civic engagement is a cornerstone for building a stronger and more unified country. 

Make the signs, wave the banners, and stand united with one another for your shared beliefs in what America can and will look like if we work together. 

Bring others to these events - friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews, and anyone you hold close. Show them the power of a united voice. Share your commitment to a better tomorrow with them so they know the power of their voice and the power of a collective.

Additionally, educating yourself on national, state, and local legislation will also serve you and your community. 

Research a candidate, see who you align with and what they stand for. If they are currently in office, there are records publicly available for you to reflect on. 

If you find it difficult to break through the legal jargon contained in meeting minutes or bills, national and local newspapers cover meetings and are tasked with simplifying the

information so it is readable to the average person. 

Support the free press - we’re here to be the watchdogs of the nation. 

Due to the press' role as governmental watchdogs, they are under attack. But reputable news agencies such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post have stayed true to their messages of objectivity and accountability, regardless of affiliation. 

This election season, take the time for change - it may not happen instantly, but every step forward is a step in the right direction. 

Educate yourself, inform others, and use the power to vote - it might just save our country.