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Keeping your community covered. We're committed to producing high-quality, fact-based news and information that gives you the facts in this community we call home. If our work has helped you stay informed, take action, or feel more connected to Windham County – please give now to help us reach our goal of raising $150,000 by December 31st.
Here's how Susan Clark and Frank Bryan, in their book All Those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community, describe the weaknesses and dangers of Australian ballot:
“Voting by Australian ballot is much simpler than going to town meeting. It is much less time consuming. It is much less public, done alone behind curtains. It is much less threatening - no one ever knows what you think. The Australian ballot is quick, easy, private, unaccountable and, most important, simple.
“It is also deadly.
“In a way, the Australian ballot is worse than deadly, because it doesn't kill town meeting quickly. And the execution is dishonest. We are told it will save town meeting, while the reality is that it poisons it and lets it die slowly, sparing the executioner the moment of death and the acceptance of responsibility.
