Worcester's 2021 Preliminary Election

Greetings in the midst of a second difficult year!  We hope you and your family are safe and well. 

This year Worcester only has two districts where there are enough candidates to require a preliminary election:  District 1 and District 5.  There aren't enough candidates running at-large for City Council or for School Committee (which is currently all at-large) to require a preliminary.  The preliminary election is coming up very soon (September 14th, with early voting this week).  You can use these maps to determine if you live in either District 1 or District 5.  Below you will find a link to other voting resources.   

Although they usually draw a small turnout, municipal elections really are important.  They can determine whether or not our city sets priorities and policies based on striving for equity, transparency, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.  City government sets property tax rates and largely controls our public schools, traffic and parking, road and sidewalk conditions, snow removal, public safety, parks, trash removal and recycling, water supply, and sewage removal and treatment. 

In District 5, where we live, we have the opportunity to advance a remarkable candidate to the general election in November.  Because we care so deeply about Worcester’s future, we ask you to join us in voting for Etel Haxhiaj for District 5 City Councilor.  (Her last name is pronounced Ha-gee-eye). 

We have known Etel for nearly a decade and have gotten to know her well through working closely with her on a variety of issues, encompassing racial justice, environmental sustainability, and access to housing.  Her passion for justice is both fierce and compassionate.  She herself was a refugee from Albania as a teenager.  She recognizes the challenges that marginalized people face and she is determined to create a city where everyone is welcomed and treated with respect, where everyone’s voice is heard, and where everyone can thrive.

Etel’s passion is matched by a breadth of experience serving the community:  as a youth mentor, legal advocate, social worker, and community organizer.  She has served on the board of the YWCA and its Racial Justice Task Force as well as on advisory committees to the City Manager.  She listens to community members and collaborates with them to bring smart and practical solutions to local problems. Etel’s organizing experience has taught her how to build coalitions to get things done.  Her presence on the City Council would be a game-changer in a very positive direction.  You can learn more about Etel on her web page and her campaign Facebook page.   

The top two of four candidates will advance to the general election on November 2^nd.  It’s really important that Etel not only finish in the top two this month -- we need her to come in first, as this is a big push for momentum in the November contest. 

In District 1, we recommend re-electing Sean Rose, by far the best of three candidates. Learn more about Sean on his web page and Facebook page.  

This year, both early in-person and no-excuse mail voting are available for the municipal election.  Preliminary Election Day itself is Tuesday, September 14^th.  On this page of the City of Worcester's site you can find official information about all of the voting options, including your polling place for September 14th and the early voting locations and dates.

Thank you for your consideration!

Margot and David 

p.s. If you agree with our recommendations, we encourage you to share all or part of this with people you know who live in either district.