CMAA’s Civic Engagement team works to strengthen community participation by helping residents understand voting systems, access accurate election information, and recognize the importance of civic involvement. Through partnerships with Lowell Votes and other community organizations, the team promotes informed participation, supports diverse voices, and helps build a more representative and engaged community.
What Is Civic Engagement?
Civic Engagement is a vital way for community members to make their voices heard. CMAA’s CE team educates residents about voting, supports voter registration, hosts community feedback sessions, shares election information, and works to increase voter turnout in underrepresented communities.
What is Data Equity?
The kind of data collected matters and can help unearth a problem masked by aggregate data — even data already broken down by basic racial categories. For example, consider 2010 U.S. Census Bureau statistics that showed more than half of Asian Americans had a bachelor’s degree or higher by the age of 25, the highest proportion among racial categories. Yet when the data are disaggregated to focus specifically on Southeast Asian Americans, a different picture emerges. Just 15% of Cambodian Americans, 14% of Hmong Americans, 12% of Laotian Americans and 26% of Vietnamese Americans over the age of 25 had a bachelor’s degree, the census reported.
Community Engagement Activities
- Block Party/Meet Your Candidates
- Candidate Forums
- Canvassing (Phone-Banking, Door-Knocking, Dialing, etc.)
- Civic Workshops
- Community Leadership Workshops/Training
- Educate and Advocate on Bills to Become Policies
- Know Your Rights Training
- Participate in Community Coalitions
- Visiting City Hall and the State House
- Voter and Mail-in Ballot Registration
Emphasizing the Importance of Voting
Participating in voting is your right! It is crucial as it empowers individuals to shape the direction of their communities and the nation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in decision-making processes. It is a fundamental civic duty that strengthens the foundations of democracy, allowing citizens to collectively influence policies and elect leaders who align with their values and priorities.
Updates Regarding Upcoming Election Terms
| Election/Office | Election Cycle or Term | Next Election Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lowell City Council | Every 2 years | Tuesday, November 2, 2027 |
| Lowell School Committee | Every 2 years | Tuesday, November 2, 2027 |
| Massachusetts State Election | Every 2 years | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| Massachusetts State Primary | Every 2 years | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 |
| U.S. House of Representatives | Every 2 years | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| U.S. President | Every 4 years | Tuesday, November 7, 2028 |
| U.S. Senate | Six-year terms; approximately one-third of seats are elected every 2 years | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| U.S. Vice President | Every 4 years | Tuesday, November 7, 2028 |
Put Your Future In Your Hands
- Earn community service hours
- Improve old skills and learn new ones
- Participate in community events
- Promote access and social justice in the community
- Learn more about civic engagement
- Make a difference
- Build your resume
If you’re not registered to vote, please visit this link to register now: www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr.
You can also download the voter registration forms and mail them to your local city/town hall in English, Khmer, Spanish, and more.
For more information:
Email: Civics@cmaalowell.org or call CMAA at 978-454-6200