BRATTLEBORO-Having a vote on how our town is run - a vote on how tax dollars are spent - is a fundamental right, and we should make sure everyone has a vote.
Australian ballot, also known as secret ballot, ensures full access for everyone. You get your ballot, and you vote.
Do you need facts and information? Access is everywhere, from numerous informational meetings, town reports, social and print media, discussions between neighbors and friends, letter writing campaigns, and even recorded Selectboard and committee meetings on YouTube and BCTV. You can even contact Selectboard and various town committees for information.
Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and open Town Meeting (OTM) effectively and efficiently deny access to all people to vote. The very function of these forms of decision-making are designed to exclude families without child care, people with disabilities, people with health issues, essential workers who cannot take time off work, people who can't take time off work because they would lose the day's pay or even lose their job.
In-person Town Meeting is a test of endurance. It requires participants to remain in a fixed location for hours and hours. It could even take days before voting on the articles is complete.
The assertion that decision-making is reserved for face-to-face rhetorical combat as the only option is a clear attempt at disenfranchising members of our community.
Vote yes to end Representative Town Meeting. Vote yes for Australian ballot. Vote no for open Town Meeting.
Susan Bellville
Brattleboro
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