The Cambridge Selectboard has approved the warning for an in-person town meeting on Tuesday, March 4th, at the Cambridge Elementary School gymnasium in Jeffersonville. This is more than just an informational session—it's an opportunity for voters to make binding decisions about our town's future.

What is Town Meeting?
Town meeting is a deeply rooted Vermont tradition, where local democracy is at its strongest. It's a day when community members gather to debate and vote on key issues, including elections, budgets, and public questions. Decisions made at town meeting directly shape the way our town is governed for the coming year.

What's on the Agenda?
The town meeting agenda, officially called the warning, outlines the topics to be voted on, known as articles. These typically fall into three categories:

1. Elections – Voters will elect town officials, including a moderator, first constable, collector of delinquent taxes, and trustee for public money. There are also staggered elections for the Selectboard, auditors, listers, library trustees, and cemetery commissioners. Notably, in Cambridge, the town clerk and town treasurer—positions up for election every three years—are traditionally held by the same person.
2. Budget – The Selectboard proposes a budget, but voters have the final say. The town budget is included in the annual town report, which is distributed before the meeting. Some expenditures may also be presented as separate articles for discussion and approval.
3. Public Questions – These articles cover any other matters that require a town-wide vote, such as changes in local ordinances, funding requests for community initiatives, or other proposals.

Why Attend In Person?
One of the key advantages of an in-person town meeting is the ability to hear directly from our elected representatives in the legislature. They are invited to address voters and answer questions, making this a rare and valuable opportunity for direct engagement with state government.

For additional details on Cambridge's town meeting, including the official warning, visit: Cambridge, Vermont Annual Meeting Warning:https://www.cambridge.vermont.gov/Annual%20Meeting%20Warning%20-%20March%204,%202025.pdf

For a broader overview of town meetings across Vermont, check out the Vermont Secretary of State's website, which includes the helpful "Citizen's Guide to Town Meeting": https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/election-info-resources/town-meeting-local-elections/

George Putnam, who wrote extensively on town meetings in 2023, posed important questions & answers: https://switchelphilosopher.blog/2024/02/27/town-meeting-2023-part-1/

Your Voice, Your Vote
Town meeting is more than just a tradition—it's democracy in action. It's a chance to be heard, to shape our community, and to take an active role in local governance. See you on March 4th!

Event Info

Mar 2, 2025

Mar 2, 2025, 2 to 3 PM

Mar 3, 2025, 8 to 9:30 AM