Marie Gouin

Our traditional town meeting model, while historic, unintentionally limits participation by requiring citizens to be physically present for a single, lengthy meeting. Many neighbors—those with evening work shifts, those who travel during the week for business, caregiving responsibilities, mobility challenges, or health concerns—simply cannot attend, even though they care deeply about the decisions being made. SB2 offers a more accessible structure by separating deliberation from the actual vote, allowing every eligible voter to cast a ballot on Election Day when polls are open for extended hours. This change would ensure that our town’s most important decisions reflect the voices of a broader and more diverse group of residents. When more people can participate, our outcomes become more representative of the entire community rather than only those who can attend one meeting at one moment in time. Supporting SB2 is, at its core, about fairness, accessibility, and ensuring that every citizen has a practical and meaningful opportunity to take part in our government.