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Date: 10/27/2021
CHICOPEE –Ahead of the Nov. 2 election, Chicopee officials analyze recent trends in voting turnout.
The issue of voting turnout arises after the Sept. 21 city preliminary election drew 1.9 percent of the public to the polls. In comparison, 2020’s state-wide primary drew 30 percent of voters, while 2019’s city preliminary drew in 16.48 percent of voters. At-Large City Council member Robert Zygarowski expressed concern about the current state of voting. “People have to get out and vote, we need people to be involved in the politics of this city,” said Zyagarowski.
School Committee Member Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello, who is now running for the Ward 9 City Council seat, believes that the diminishing of daily news has disconnected citizens from local discourse. “Studies have shown that the loss of daily newspapers has contributed to the decline in local elections participation. Voters feel they are not informed about their local government,” said Pniak-Costello. She shared that increasing public awareness and voting participation would be a goal if elected to City Council.
According to City Clerk Keith Rattell, a factor for these varying voting figures is the significance of each election. “I would attribute the low turnout to that primary election to the type of races that were on the ballot. To the Chicopee voter, some races are more attractive than others,” said Rattell. In 2019 and 2020 primary voting anointed final candidates for mayor and state representatives respectively, while 2021’s primary only accounted for the two-year, School Committee, At-Large and the Ward 5 City Councilor positions.
Rattell explained why certain races elicit more participation from Chicopee constituents. While mayoral races often draw significant attention, he revealed that people aren’t as involved in city-elected positions if they are content with the current administration. Mayor John Vieau is running for re-election this year, but he is running unopposed in his pursuit of a second term in office. Rattell said he is expecting a 12 percent turnout for this upcoming election.
The pandemic has also evolved how voting is accomplished. Where COVID-19 put many critical services on hold, it also helped accent diverse voting options like mail-in and absentee ballots. “Procedures were put in place where people could vote right from there kitchen table. It couldn’t be easier for people to vote, and we continue that practice still,” said Rattell, who believes alternative voting options will only continue to grow in future years.
Rattell said he remains encouraged by Chicopee’s voting activity. In contrast to the dwindling city election results, Chicopee featured 70 percent and 66 percent participation for the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. “Chicopee is not shy to come out and vote. It really boils down to what is on the ballot and what are the races. In times like this, there is voter apathy,” said Ratell.
Ahead of the Nov. 2 election, Chicopee will feature early in-person voting from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city will also continue to collect mail-in ballots, which can be sent or delivered to the newly established City Hall ballot box.