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Boston City Council Weighs Waiving special Election in District 7
amid concerns over costs adn voter turnout, Boston officials are considering bypassing a special election for the District 7 City Councilor seat.
The Situation Unfolds
Following the resignation announcement by Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, discussions have begun regarding the process for filling the vacant District 7 seat.
Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Liz Breadon have proposed waiving the special election, advocating instead for the seat to remain vacant untill the already scheduled general election on Nov. 4.
Key Arguments for Waiving the Election
- cost Efficiency: A special election would incur notable expenses for the city.
- Low Voter Turnout: Special elections typically see reduced participation.
- Limited candidate exposure: A rushed election timeline would give voters little time to learn about the candidates.
louijeune emphasized the potential for disenfranchisement, stating, Given the accelerated timeline, the risk of excluding residents from the process is significant. With the general election approaching later this year, it would be inequitable to ask the public to participate in such a hastened process that will leave voices out.
Navigating the Legal Framework
The Boston City Charter mandates a special election if a council seat is vacant more than 180 days before the general election.
Though, Boston City Clerk Alex Geourntas must first receive an official notice of vacancy from Fernandes Anderson to trigger this requirement.
Community Voices and Concerns
In the interim, at-large councilors and staff will address constituent concerns.
Breadon argues that avoiding a special election is the responsible course of action,
given the existing election schedule. She highlights the potential for uncertainty of any special election calendar
and the confusion of multiple elections in rapid succession.
Support from Elected Officials
A coalition of elected officials supports the decision to forgo the special election, including:
- Secretary of State William F. Galvin
- State Sen. Liz Miranda
- State Reps. Chynah Tyler, John Moran, and Christopher Worrell
Tyler stated, It is indeed my duty as state Representative of the Roxbury neighborhood to help provide clarity to the uncertainty many neighbors are feeling during this time. allowing adequate time to fully vet candidates for the District 7 seat is the right thing to do — they deserve it.
A Look at District 7
District 7 encompasses Roxbury,Dorchester,Fenway,and parts of the South End.
Local advocates share concerns about holding a special election.
Low-income families, essential workers, and those most impacted by injustice already face barriers to voting. Asking them to show up for three elections in just a few months is unrealistic and unfair.
Mimi Ramos, executive director of New England Community Project
The Timing Dilemma
Holding a special election in the summer months could further depress voter turnout.
I care deeply about who represents our community, but a special election in July or August just doesn’t make sense. People are traveling, working, and less engaged during the summer. Let’s focus on getting the highest turnout possible in September when more voters are prepared to make their voices heard.
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