Town meeting

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Faneuil_Hall_Boston_Massachusetts

Marlboro_Town_House_side_view

A town meeting is a form of direct democracy in which members of a community come together to legislate policy and budgets for local government. It is a form of local government that originated in New England and is still practiced in some parts of the United States.

History

The town meeting has its roots in the early colonial period of New England. The first recorded town meeting was held in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1633. The practice spread throughout the region and became a staple of local governance in the Thirteen Colonies.

Structure

Town meetings are typically held annually or semi-annually, although some towns may hold them more frequently. The meetings are open to all eligible voters within the town. The agenda is usually set by the Board of Selectmen or a similar governing body, and it includes items such as the town budget, local ordinances, and other community issues.

Moderator

A moderator is elected to preside over the meeting, ensuring that the rules of order are followed and that all participants have an opportunity to speak. The moderator plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow and decorum of the meeting.

Warrant

The warrant is the official agenda for the town meeting. It lists all the items to be discussed and voted upon. The warrant is typically posted in public places and distributed to residents in advance of the meeting.

Types of Town Meetings

There are two main types of town meetings: the open town meeting and the representative town meeting.

Open Town Meeting

In an open town meeting, all registered voters in the town may attend, speak, and vote. This form of town meeting is most common in smaller towns.

Representative Town Meeting

In a representative town meeting, voters elect representatives who then attend the meeting and vote on their behalf. This form is more common in larger towns where it may be impractical for all residents to attend.

Procedure

The procedure of a town meeting typically follows a set of established rules, often based on Robert's Rules of Order. The meeting begins with the reading of the warrant, followed by discussion and voting on each item. Votes are usually taken by a show of hands, voice vote, or, in some cases, by secret ballot.

Significance

Town meetings are a hallmark of New England's tradition of local governance and direct democracy. They provide a forum for community members to engage in the decision-making process and have a direct impact on local policies and budgets.

Related Pages

• Direct democracy
• Local government
• Board of Selectmen
• Robert's Rules of Order
• New England