Voters at Greensboro's special town meeting on June 30 rejected two petitioned articles that would have moved financial and public questions to Australian balloting, preserving the traditional in-person town meeting format.
Article 1, which asked whether the town should adopt all budget articles by Australian ballot, failed 101 to 77. Article 2, covering all public questions, was defeated 85 to 59. Many voters had left before the second vote.
Newly elected Town Moderator Mavis MacNeil opened the meeting by outlining ground rules under Robert's Rules of Order, with a two-minute speaking limit per voter.
Gary Circosta, who along with his wife Renee petitioned for the articles, argued that Australian balloting would allow more residents to participate. "People who are able to attend long in-person town meetings are being asked to accept a little change so that all voters have a realistic opportunity to vote," he said.
Opponents urged caution. Janet Long called the proposal "a rather drastic and fast change." Bridget Collier noted that town meeting has been held for over 200 years and allows budget amendments not possible under Australian ballot.
Renee Circosta called for a paper ballot on the first article, which required seven voters to second the motion. The necessary support was found.
Several speakers proposed hybrid approaches. Penny Bretschneider suggested combining in-person deliberation with Australian voting. Tim Nisbet asked the select board to form a committee to explore options such as electronic clicker systems, with a report due by November 1.
A motion by David Kelley to table the article and establish a study committee was ruled out of order by MacNeil, who said he had consulted a Vermont League of Cities and Towns attorney and determined such a referral was not germane.
After final debate on Article 2, the meeting voted down both measures.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Edmond Dantès via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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