Westford Public Schools is considering a shift in the timing of local elections to enhance voter participation, as discussed during the School Committee meeting on March 3, 2025. Committee members expressed support for moving elections to weekends, citing increased civic engagement and family-friendly scheduling as potential benefits.

The proposal aims to provide more accessible voting options, especially since early voting and mail-in ballots are already available. However, concerns were raised about the implications for school staff, who may be required to work on weekends, potentially conflicting with other community activities. The discussion highlighted the need to balance voter turnout with the logistical challenges of staffing polling places.

Committee members acknowledged that while a weekend election could encourage higher participation, there is no concrete evidence to guarantee this outcome. They also noted the financial implications of requiring staff to work additional days, including police and custodial services, which could lead to increased costs.

The conversation also touched on the timing of professional development days for teachers, suggesting that moving elections could open up discussions about optimizing the school calendar. Some members proposed that earlier professional development might be more beneficial, as the end of the school year tends to be hectic.

Ultimately, the committee is poised to explore this proposal further, recognizing its potential to improve community engagement while also weighing the practicalities of implementation. The outcome of these discussions could lead to significant changes in how local elections are conducted in Westford, with the aim of fostering greater civic participation.