The writer serves District 7 as a member of Brattleboro’s Representative Town Meeting.
BRATTLEBORO-Brattleboro cares deeply about local democracy, but our current system makes it harder than it should be for many residents to take part.
Last year, serving as a voting RTM representative required a minimum nine-hour commitment on a weekend day, plus an additional two hours on a weeknight. For residents who travel for work, have demanding jobs, or significant family responsibilities, that requirement makes full participation difficult. On neither day did all elected RTM representatives check in, further narrowing representation.
Adopting Australian ballot voting — private, one person/one vote, cast in person or by absentee ballot — would broaden participation while preserving thoughtful decision-making. It’s a system used successfully across Vermont and one that reflects how most residents already vote.
I encourage voters on Tuesday, March 3, to vote yes to discontinue Representative Town Meeting, and vote yes to adopt Australian ballot voting.
To learn more about the benefits of Australian ballot voting, visit onepersononevotebrattleboro.org.
Lindsey Worden
Brattleboro
The writer serves District 7 as a member of Brattleboro’s Representative Town Meeting.
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