Kennedy Connors and Jay Gershman reported this story on assignment from Vermont Public. The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
Georgia had its first floor vote in three years on Tuesday after pausing the tradition during the pandemic. And today’s vote could be its last as the town decides whether to move to the Australian ballot system.
“It’s a tradition that we come here and make sure that our voices be heard,” said Heather Grimm, who has been coming to Town Meeting Day since 1998. She’s a local Boy Scouts scoutmaster, and members of her troop conducted the pledge of allegiance and assisted in handing the microphone out to audience members.
“I look forward to doing this,” Grimm said. “I hope it continues for the next 20 years.”
“I think it brings a community of people together, some people that are really passionate about this and don’t want to lose it under any circumstances,” said Carl Laroe.
However, some voters were advocating for the change.
During discussion of the budget, one voter spoke up expressing concern about making the vote during the meeting. “There’s clearly not a majority of the town here,” she said. She spoke in favor of Australian ballots as they’d allow more people, and especially younger residents, to vote.