Youth movement; Two teens aim for spots on Worcester ballot.

There are many ways to measure the health of a democracy, but the mere presence of elections is not one of the best ways. After all, many of the nearly 200 nations around the world hold elections, but all too often those elections are riddled by fraud and violence.

We Americans are better off than most. Some of the folks who complain that the differences between the candidates seem too slight are sincere, and really cannot find a candidate -- at least among the major-party contenders, who they can support. But others are just looking for an excuse not to bother casting a ballot.

Worcester's municipal election is still months away but the campaign season is already well under way. Candidates have until May 19 to submit their papers.

And this year, there are two candidates who embody one of the surest measures of a healthy democracy -- youth.

Cotey Collins, 18, a...