VINITA VERMA

VINITA VERMA

Name: Vinita Verma
Office Sought: Town Meeting Member Precinct 6
e-mail address: Vinita.Verma [at] lexingtontmma.orgmichaelschanbacherlexpb [at] gmail.com (
)phone number: 781-862-2580

Community Activities: 

  • Town Meeting Member from Precinct 6. Have 100% attendance record for last 2 terms. Actively participate in enacting bylaws and budget authorization.
  • Chair of Transportation Advisory Committee and support efforts to meet the transportation needs of Lexington residents and advise the Select Board and other Town boards and committees. In March 2023, recognizing the challenges of increasing ridership, especially following COVID, helped TAC put forward the recommendation to the Select Board to sell $20 passes for unlimited rides on Lexpress for a year, combined with a robust marketing program called ‘Limitless Pass’ which has been a great success so far. Initiated Pedestrian-Bicycle Plan that got the approval during 2023 ATM that will prioritize future improvements to our streets, sidewalks, and shared use of paths to provide better connections that gets people to their destination. Attended all three related forums and contributed in every possible manner to its’s development and execution.
  • Actively volunteer for the Friends of Lexington Music, Art, and Drama students (FOLMAD) related activities at Lexington Public Schools to foster and promote excellence in the visual and performing arts programs.
  • Active member of Indians Getting Involved Group (iGIG). Planned and moderated Candidate Forum several times with the candidates seeking town-wide elective office to engage community around an upcoming election. It helps increase public understanding of the election process and the candidates running. Was the first to conduct an online Candidates Forum during COVID period.
  • Strong proponent of making Lexington a walkable town. Have spearheaded for sidewalk on Burlington Street/North Street.
  • Active volunteer at Lexington Democratic Town Committee to enhance the democratic process by engaging more people in politics.

Article 43 on the 2024 Town Warrant is asking if the Town will authorize and request the Select Board to petition the General Court of the Commonwealth for Home Rule Legislation to allow any citizens in the Town of Lexington, who have reached the age of 16 or older, to register and vote in municipal elections within the Town, or to take any action in relative thereto. Would you support this article? Why or why not?

I fully support the proposal to allow citizens aged 16 and older to vote. At this age, individuals are legally permitted to drive, sign employment contracts, and have taxes deducted from their salaries, reflecting a level of cognitive development that warrants participation in civic affairs.
Granting 16-year-olds the right to vote is based on the belief that early exposure to civic duties fosters responsible citizenship and a deeper understanding of the democratic process. Moreover, it acknowledges their role in shaping the future of their communities by allowing them to have a say in how tax dollars are allocated.
By extending voting rights to 16-year-olds, we not only encourage civic engagement from a younger age but also provide them with an invaluable education in democratic principles. This inclusion can lead to higher voter turnout as individuals establish voting habits early in life, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented.
In summary, allowing 16-year-olds to vote is a step towards building a more inclusive and participatory democracy, empowering the next generation to contribute meaningfully to the decisions that affect their lives and communities.