Election Day is almost here! Voting gives a voice to families, care providers, and educators who want to improve the lives of children in Massachusetts and across the country. Learn about the key issues in early education and care today and, when Election Day arrives, how you can make the most of your opportunity to vote.
Read on to learn more about the upcoming election, how to register to vote, and how to put children front and center as you evaluate the candidates and ballot measures.
The Future of Education Hangs in the Balance
Leading up to the presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have shared contrasting views on many topics impacting families, care providers, and educators, including:
- Inclusive Child Care: Harris has said she wants to limit working families' child care costs to 7% of their income. Trump has not offered a formal plan to address child care costs, but his running mate, JD Vance, has proposed boosting the Child Tax Credit to $5,000.
- K-12 Education: Harris has supported programs for students in high-poverty and low-performing schools and grants for services at high-poverty middle and high schools. Trump has backed universal school choice programs, which would allow public school funding to be transferred to non-public schools.
- Food and Housing Security: Harris has prioritized reducing food and housing costs for working families. Trump has focused on putting an end to inflation to "make America affordable again," according to The Washington Times.
The Massachusetts state election lets voters cast their presidential ballot. Take some time to learn about the positions of your candidates when it comes to young children and families. Choose the candidates you want to fill local offices, including:
- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representative
- Governor’s Councillor
- State Senator
- State Representative
MCAS Graduation Requirement Could Be Eliminated
Among the five ballot questions, Question 2 will likely have long-lasting ramifications on families, care providers, and teachers across the Commonwealth. With this question, voters must decide whether they want to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) graduation requirement from public high schools.
With a "yes" vote, you are in favor of eliminating the MCAS graduation requirement. This would mean Massachusetts high school students would still have to take the MCAS in tenth grade but wouldn't need a passing score to graduate. Meanwhile, school districts could create their own criteria for high school graduation.
Comparatively, with a "no" vote, you want the MCAS graduation requirement to remain intact. Currently, students must earn a passing score on their MCAS tests to graduate from high school.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Eliminating the MCAS Graduation Requirement
A recent Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll suggests most voters favor repealing the MCAS requirement.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association says the MCAS often makes educators "teach to the test," The Globe reported. It supports eliminating the requirement.
Alternatively, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler told the Globe that he is "adamantly opposed" to eliminating the requirement. "The ballot question does not replace what we have right now with a system, it just eliminates the current system," he said.
Melissa Verdier, president of the union for Worcester Public Schools teachers, spoke out in favor of eliminating the MCAS requirement during a debate last month. "I feel it is grossly unfair to deny a student a diploma because of a single test. Denying a student a diploma jeopardizes their future and penalizes the students in a harsh way, based on the results of one imperfect measurement tool," Verdier said, according to the Telegram & Gazette.
In the same debate, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and former Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray indicated that he believes keeping the MCAS requirement is vital to maintaining a high level of education in Massachusetts. "The MCAS is not a perfect tool; I think we can agree improvements can be made to more fully assess the educational-attainment level of students. However, in the absence of an approved statewide alternative, it would be a mistake to get rid of this as a requirement," Murray said.
Make Your Plan to Vote!
Remember, children don't get to vote on Election Day. How families, care providers, and educators vote impacts early education and care initiatives. By voting, you can make your voice heard and help shape the future of early education and care. Here are tips to help you get ready for Election Day:
- Register to vote before it's too late. The voting registration deadline is October 26 at 5 p.m. Click here to register or pre-register to vote.
- Know where to go to vote. Use the City of Worcester's online database to find out where to go to vote on Election Day.
- Ask for an absentee ballot. For those who will be away from home on Election Day, fill out the online application for an absentee ballot — you have until October 29 at 5 p.m. to request one.
If you're confused about the candidates and issues on the electoral ballot, you're not alone. Here are tips to help you learn about the electoral races and ballot measures and make the most of your right to vote on Election Day:
- Consider your values. This will help you evaluate candidates and ballot measures based on what's most important to you.
- Use free online tools like Vote.org and Ballotpedia. These let you instantly generate information about the candidates and ballot issues in your community.
- Visit candidates' websites and social media pages. Here, you'll find more information about their views on early education and care and other topics.
- Follow the news from multiple sources. Get the latest insights into candidates and ballot measures prior to Election Day.
- Block your calendar to vote. Your days are busy. Check polling times and pick a time that works best for you.
Edward Street provides early education and care news and resources to families, educators, and care providers in Worcester and its surrounding communities. Read our blog and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated about early childhood programs and initiatives.