Voter interest low as primary nears

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Voter interest normally runs higher during Presidential Election years.

But right now, candidates are trying to intensify voter interest in next month's Primary election, where each party will determine which candidates' names will appear on the November ballot.

The Chicopee Democratic Committee hosted a "community picnic to meet the candidates" at the Moose Lodge."

The candidates have to battle each other, as well as voter apathy, which one supporter blames, at least in part, on the education system.

"I really attribute some of the apathy to the fact that the public schools no longer teach civics. Those classes were removed in the 80's. And I think we need to reinstate them,” Michele Marantz said.

Voters head to the polls for the Massachusetts Primary September 6th, and 22News will host candidate’s debates on 22News at Noon starting next week.

And we'll have all your results on Election night online at wwlp.com, and on 22News at 11.