BRATTLEBORO-I am writing to express my strong support for adopting the Australian ballot in Brattleboro.
First, the Australian ballot ensures that every individual vote truly counts, rather than leaving major decisions to a small number of town representatives whose views may not reflect our whole community. We all carry our own biases, shaped by lifelong social and cultural conditioning, and those biases can overshadow common sense in a public setting. A private, written ballot protects each person’s independent judgment and leads to a fairer, more balanced outcome.
Second, it levels the playing field for residents who cannot attend an open Town Meeting. Many people have work schedules, child care responsibilities, health concerns, or discomfort with speaking and voting in a crowded room. The hours required to sit through a meeting can be a real barrier. Australian ballot voting allows more of our neighbors to participate, not just those who can stay at a meeting all day.
Finally, we are living in a time often described as “cancel culture,” where people can face social or economic backlash for their views. In a close-knit community like Brattleboro, where we know our small-business owners and neighbors personally, people may fear that a public vote could lead to boycotts or damaged relationships.
A secret ballot protects residents from this pressure and encourages more honest participation. When more people feel safe to vote their conscience, we are more likely to accept the outcome and come together as a community, knowing the decision reflects the will of the many, not just the few.
I urge Brattleboro to adopt the Australian ballot and give all citizens a fair, accessible, and secure way to have their voices heard.
Deena Chadwick
Brattleboro
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