Young candidate urges social media outreach as local turnout lags; voters, former officials weigh in

Justin Titus, an 18-year-old candidate for councilor at large who called into PVD TV’s Election Night coverage, said young people in his generation do not typically turn out for local elections and that local campaigns should use social media and mass texting to reach them.

“It’s not in their direct line of view,” Titus said on air, arguing that younger voters see national headlines and sensationalized news but are less exposed to the local issues that affect daily life. He recommended targeted outreach on platforms where younger residents are active and suggested mass texting and social-media campaigns to raise awareness about local contests.

Caller Pete McGinn, identified on air as a longtime local participant in civic life, told the program that although voting options (early voting, mail ballots) have expanded, turnout has not substantially increased. “You’ve got to switch pretty quickly over from campaign mode to actually doing a job,” McGinn said, advising new officeholders to expect a steep learning curve after election night.

Hosts also discussed existing local practices that may help turnout, noting smooth early voting operations and accessible polling places. The broadcast included multiple precinct-by-precinct updates and called out the potential for voter-education efforts to start before residents turn 18 — for example, informing young people when they receive permits that they may already be registered if they checked the registration box.

The on-air discussion did not include formal proposals or official plans from city agencies; the suggestions were offered by callers and candidates during the broadcast.