Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Renee Sweeney at MHCVotes!

Our latest newsletter includes remarks by SHDTC member Renee Sweeney at an event on the South Hadley Town Commons on Sunday, April 26. The event was organized by a nonpartisan student group at Mount Holyoke College, MHCVotes!, to bring attention to the importance of voting and engaging in local politics. In addition to South Hadley Selectboard member Renee Sweeney, speakers included State Sen. Jake Oliveira, State Rep. Homar Gómez, and Governor's Councilor Tara Jacobs.

 Interest in civic engagement by youth is on the rise, including in South Hadley. Voting by U.S. citizens aged 18-29 rose from 39% in the 2016 presidential election to 47% in 2024. Eligible MHC students may vote in South Hadley using their campus address unless they choose to maintain registration in their home state. High school students may pre-register to vote beginning at age 16. As the speakers at the MHCVotes! event demonstrated, civic engagement at an early age can lead to a life dedicated to community and public service.

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