20 percent of MIT registered in Cambridge

Oct. 25, 2011

20 percent of MIT registered in Cambridge

According to the Cambridge Election Commission, as of Oct. 16, 1207 people living in precincts 2-2 and 2-3 are registered to vote in the upcoming municipal elections — about 20 percent of total population of these precincts. With a few exceptions, including an apartment complex at 100 Memorial Drive, all of the residential buildings within the boundaries of these precincts are owned by or affiliated with MIT.

The finalized numbers for this year will be reported by the Commission when they finish being compiled in a few days. The deadline to register to vote was this past Wednesday, Oct. 19.

A representative from the Cambridge Election Commission said that the number of voters registered fluctuates from year to year, and this year’s numbers are not overly high or low compared to the changes between any other years. Last year, a total of 1370 people across the two precincts were registered to vote as of election day, but only 362 people cast ballots in the November 2010 election.

The nearest voting location for residents within these two precincts is Kresge Auditorium. Voters go to the polls on Nov. 8.

—Stan Gill

2 Comments

David M. Templeton about 13 years ago

So approximately 6 of MIT students voted in Cambridge last year. I guess this is why we don't see local politicians stumping and dispensing literature on campus.

My extremely non-scientific assessment back when I lived in a dorm was that 2/3 do not vote at all, and 3/4 of the ones that do vote, vote with their home town.

Anonymous about 13 years ago

"The nearest voting location" -- That implies you can vote anywhere which is convenient, which is not true. You have to vote at your assigned location (or by absentee ballot).