Going to Town Meeting Day is a Vermont tradition. Here's the hitch: In Westmore, if you can't be there, you can't vote. Other VT cities and towns have recognized this problem and have embraced a simple solution: Australian ballot.
On Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Fellowship Hall, Westmore is having a Special Town Meeting to vote on whether or not to use Australian ballot for all future Town Meeting Days.
Remember switching to an Australian ballot doesn't mean people can't gather on Town Meeting Day and vote. What it does mean is that every Westmore registered voter who cannot attend the meeting can still be heard because they can cast a paper ballot and drop it off early. That's democracy in action folks. A special guest will be on hand to answer questions about Australian ballot and how cities and towns across Vermont are using it at their Town Meetings.
In 2022 when Westmore voted by Australian Ballot, 155 of Westmore's 265 registered voters VOTED!*
In 2023 when Westmore residents could only vote in person, 62 of Westmore's 285 registered voters voted.*
Did you know that in 2022 across Vermont …
157 towns voted by Australian Ballot for their Officers*
78 towns voted by Australian Ballot for the Town Budget*
99 towns voted by Australian Ballot for Public Questions*
Don't miss this exciting chance to make your feelings about Australian ballot known. See you on the 13th!
*source:https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/election-info-resources/town-meeting-local-elections/