Clark University Clark Digital Commons International Development, Community and Master’s Papers Environment (IDCE) 8-2016 Why Doesn't Worcester Vote? Molly B. Kazin Clark University,
[email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers Part of the American Politics Commons, and the Urban Studies and Planning Commons Recommended Citation Kazin, Molly B., "Why Doesn't Worcester Vote?" (2016). International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE). 97. https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/97 This Research Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Master’s Papers at Clark Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE) by an authorized administrator of Clark Digital Commons. For more information, please contact
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[email protected]. WHY DOESN’T WORCESTER VOTE? MOLLY B. KAZIN AUGUST 2016 A MASTER’S RESEARCH PAPER Submitted to the faculty of Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the department of International Development, Community, and Environment. And accepted on the recommendation of Kathryn Madden, Chief Instructor ABSTRACT WHY DOESN’T WORCESTER VOTE? MOLLY B. KAZIN This research presents findings from a study of voter turnout and registration in Worcester, Massachusetts and takes steps to examine possible reasons why turnout has been consistently low in municipal elections. Specifically, it assesses educational attainment, income, race and ethnicity, and types and function of municipal government as reasons for the minimal turnout. Drawing on literature, case studies throughout the United States, and census and city clerk data, this paper will discuss reasons for voters’ lack of involvement, a comparison of seven municipalities throughout Massachusetts, and recommendations for creating a more civically engaged community in Worcester.