Northborough youth commission explores voter outreach, school civics and a student-led civics fest

The Town of Northborough Youth Commission on March 3 discussed steps to boost youth civic engagement, including classroom visits, a possible civics festival and outreach for first-time voters.

Chair Erica Ziger opened the discussion, noting past conversations and saying the commission wants to reach younger students as well as high-schoolers approaching voting age. A committee member framed the approach with the principle “nothing about us without us,” urging direct input from student liaisons on program design.

Members proposed multiple access points: short civics modules in eighth-grade classes at Milliken, in-class visits tied to AP Government, and events that celebrate first-time voters. Ziger suggested low-barrier, celebratory ideas for new voters — “maybe something like, you know, first time voting… come after school, and we'll give you an ice cream cone and have balloons” — to make the voting experience more inviting.

The commission discussed timing around primary and general election schedules and agreed student liaisons would contact local teachers (including an AP Government teacher identified by members) about classroom opportunities. Youth liaisons were asked to workshop ideas and report back at the next meeting.

Why it matters: Members said early exposure to town government and concrete outreach to new voters can increase participation and make civic processes feel accessible. The commission plans modest pilot activities this year and may scale based on school interest and timing around primaries.

What’s next: Student liaisons will follow up with teachers and the commission will revisit specific proposals at its next meeting. No formal action or funding decision was taken.