New York
Charlotte Selectboard Explores Hybrid Town Meeting Model
The town will explore a move to Australian ballot voting. Read the story on VTDigger here: Hybrid town meeting benefits to be studied in Charlotte.
Key points
- Charlotte residents are debating a hybrid meeting model for Town Meeting Day.
- A recent vote eliminated floor voting, raising accessibility concerns.
- The Selectboard has formed a subcommittee to explore legalities and potential charter changes.
MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Charlotte, Vermont, are actively discussing ways to retain traditional elements of their annual Town Meeting Day while adapting to modern voting methods. The Selectboard is considering a hybrid meeting system that combines in-person discussions with subsequent Australian ballot voting.
Background on Town Meeting Day Changes
This conversation comes after a significant vote in March 2026, where 106 residents opted to eliminate floor voting on the budget, a topic that has sparked extensive debate within the community. Feedback surrounding the traditional format has been ongoing, with residents voicing their opinions during several Selectboard meetings, including one on May 26.
Proposed Hybrid System
The proposed hybrid system would allow for an in-person meeting where budget items could be discussed and amended, followed by an Australian ballot vote. This method was previously utilized in Charlotte before the Covid-19 pandemic but has since been discontinued.
Only about 250 of the nearly 3,400 registered voters in Charlotte participated in the recent Town Meeting Day, raising concerns about accessibility. “The fact of the matter is, even if every single person in this town wanted to attend town meeting, they couldn’t because you cannot even fit everyone in this town in that room,” resident Maura Wygmans explained to the Selectboard.
Looking at Other Towns
Other nearby towns have adopted similar hybrid approaches. Jericho hosts a “Town Meeting Reimagined,” allowing residents to propose amendments during a budget hearing, while Shelburne combines an informational meeting with a community dinner before the official voting.
Next Steps for Charlotte
The Charlotte Selectboard has formed a subcommittee to investigate the feasibility of implementing a hybrid meeting format. Board members JD Herlihy and Troy Krahl will lead this initiative, examining whether a charter change is necessary and what legal implications it may entail. They are expected to provide an update by the end of June.
As resident Nancy Wood noted, “We are unique in this country that we have this. How can you maintain some of that direct democracy where people can come and actually have a say?” This sentiment reflects the community’s commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in the democratic process.
Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.
