20.031 A Resolution in Support of the Empower Act - CertifiedIn the Year Two Thousand and Twenty
Upon the recommendation of the Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission, Councilor Michael
Quinlan, Jr., Councilor Alex Jarrett, and Councilor William H. Dwight
R-20.031 A RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF THE EMPOWER ACT
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Northampton, in City Council assembled, as
follows:
WHEREAS, in 2018 the Northampton City Council passed Resolution R-18.097 to petition the
Massachusetts Legislature to allow the City of Northampton to establish a minimum voting age
for residents of Northampton of sixteen years for all municipal elections.
WHEREAS, the Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission, the Northampton City Council, the
Mayor of Northampton, and the Northampton Charter Review Committee have unanimously
supported the lowering of the voting age to 16.
WHEREAS, the EMPOWER Act would permit 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections
in those cities and towns whose legislative body has voted to accept it.
WHEREAS, lowering the voting age will create a more perfect democracy in our municipality, by
empowering young people to be involved in the local political system.
WHEREAS, the issues voted on at the municipal level such as School Committee and municipal
spending on climate change mitigation, as well as many others, directly affect young people.
WHEREAS, the 16 and 17-year-olds of Northampton have already shown their passion for civic
engagement and electoral politics through organizing strikes, marches, and walkouts, and
hosting elected officials and candidates for elected office at youth-led forums.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the sponsors call upon the Northampton City
Council to petition the Massachusetts Legislature to pass Senate Bill 389 and House Bill 720, of
the 191st session, “An Act ensuring municipal participation of the widest eligible range”,
otherwise known as the EMPOWER Act.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administrative Assistant to the City Council shall
cause a copy of this resolution to be sent to the state sponsors of the Act, Senator Harriette L.
Chandler and Representatives Andres X. Vargas and Dylan A. Fernandes; Chairs of the Joint
Committee on Election Laws, Senator Barry R. Finegold and Representative John J. Lawn, Jr.;
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa; State Senator Jo Comerford; House Speaker Robert
DeLeo; Senate President Karen Spilka and Governor Charles Baker.
20.031
In City Council, March 5, 2020
Passed First Reading on Roll Call Vote of 9 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent
Attest: __________________________________________________, Clerk of Council
In City Council, March 19, 2020
Passed Second Reading on Roll Call Vote of 8 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Nash)
Attest: ___________________________________________________, Clerk of Council
Approved: David J. Narkewicz, Mayor
Passed two readings and enrolled.
I hereby certify that the above Resolution passed the Northampton City Council on March 19, 2020
David J. Narkewicz, Mayor approved the Resolution on March 20, 2020
Attest: ___________________________________________________, Clerk of Council