Greensboro resident Janet Long is urging voters to reject a proposal to switch to Australian ballot voting at the upcoming special town meeting, arguing that the change would undermine community engagement and a tradition dating back to 1762.
In a letter published June 23 in the Hardwick Gazette, Long said the Australian ballot system would add work for the select board and deter volunteers. She noted that in-person town meeting allows for amendments, nominations from the floor, and immediate results.
"We aren't addressing the root problem: a lack of engagement from a large portion of the voters," Long wrote. She suggested the town should first investigate why some residents don't attend town meeting before making a "drastic decision" to change the system.
Long referenced Vermont's long history of town meeting, codified into law in 1880, and encouraged a "no" vote on the relevant articles at the June 30 Special Town Meeting, with further discussion to follow.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Austin via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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