09/06/2026
Participation Is What Makes Democracy Work-VOTE
One of the most important lessons from any election is simple: elections are decided by the people who participate.
Too often, political conversations become dominated by frustration, arguments on social media, or the belief that one individual cannot make a difference. But democracy does not happen on Facebook or around the dinner table alone. Ultimately, citizens make their voices heard through participation.
Midterm elections are especially important because voters make decisions about offices that can directly influence their everyday lives—from state government and representation to policies affecting affordability, education, public safety, transportation, housing, energy and local communities.
Massachusetts also has an unusually large population of voters registered as unenrolled, commonly referred to as independents. That makes it particularly important to understand that party registration does not tell us exactly how someone will vote.
The 2024 presidential election demonstrated this clearly. Exit polling showed Massachusetts self-identified independent voters did not vote as one political bloc. Different candidates received substantial support from these voters.
That should remind us of something bigger: people are individuals, not simply political labels.
Participation should therefore begin with information. Research candidates. Examine their records and proposals. Look beyond slogans and social-media arguments. Ask questions. Compare credible sources. Then make your own decision.
And if you know someone who has become discouraged about voting, remind them why participation matters, not whom they should support.
Healthy democracy requires disagreement. It also requires citizens willing to participate despite those disagreements.
On November 3, 2026, Massachusetts voters will once again have an opportunity to determine the direction of their Commonwealth.
Whatever your political philosophy, become informed. Participate. And make your own voice heard.
Democracy works best when citizens show up.
Nina Datshkovsky Ennis
Communications Manager
Mattapoisett RTC