Town Meeting Electronic Voting Is Closer Than You Think

With town meeting less than 4 days away, there is one issue that seems to be stirring up some controversy.

No, I am not referring to the meals tax, although that is highly controversial as well. I am referring to the issue of "convenience."

Former town selectmen candidate, Steven Sloan and selectmen Mark Sullivan, alluded to the idea of enacting "electronic voting," to be used for town meetings during candidates night on April 14. For many residents, town meeting is simply “inconvenient.” The meeting can sometimes last hours, going late into the night. Parents who both want to attend, find trouble in maintaining a babysitter for long periods. In some cases, a babysitter is not an option, and only one parent is able to attend the meeting.

The number of rides available for senior citizens are not always there either.

Casting a vote for a town warrant article "conveniently" through the computer at home is something that seems like it could be far down the road.

But in reality, it is closer to becoming a reality more than you would think.

In April, the town of Wayland, Massachusetts became the first town in the state to vote by electronic tally. Each voter was handed an electronic keypad. Participants voted on each item during a 30-second window declared by the moderator by pressing 1 for "yes" 2 for "no" and 3 to abstain.

While this electronic was used at the town meeting itself, it proves that municipal meetings are moving towards 21st-century local government.

For now, Foxborough is counting on it's resident to make sure all those who want to be present at town meeting are. The Friends of Foxboro Seniors recently decided to have a sign up sheet at the Senior Center for those who are drivers and those who need a ride to town meeting. Members of the 'Friends' group will coordinate the lists to match people up.