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Concord study committee finds strong survey support for clickers and remote participation, schedules forums
Summary
A committee survey of 670 respondents showed strong support for electronic voting (clickers) and remote participation; the committee scheduled an in-person forum at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center and a Zoom-only forum on Oct. 29 to gather more input and to collect operational cost details from peer towns.
Eric Moore, chair of the Concord Town Meeting Study Committee, told attendees that an in‑progress committee survey had received 670 voter responses and showed “strong support for clickers at this stage” alongside support for remote participation and the idea of a referendum ballot. The committee announced an in‑person public forum at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center auditorium and a separate Zoom‑only forum on Oct. 29 to gather broader feedback.
Moore said the results also show a varied sample: about one in five respondents said they never attend town meeting and a notable portion of respondents were older, which the committee said it will consider in further outreach. He asked the committee to collect operational details — who runs electronic voting, annual costs, and whether equipment is rented or purchased — so the committee can present realistic budgets and staffing expectations.
Members discussed cost benchmarks and operational models. One participant cited a peer town that budgets about $50,000 a year for electronic voting and uses a vendor called OTI for on‑site services. Committee members emphasized that staff time, teller roles, and technology support can be a significant part of any plan, and asked for a detailed breakdown from towns already using clickers.
Former and current moderators present urged the committee to study peer examples and vendor models before making recommendations. Ned Perry, a former moderator, said many towns have adopted clickers and that the system can improve vote accuracy; he recommended committee members observe other towns’ meetings and meet moderators and technicians to see technology in action. Elizabeth Moore, in public comment, urged the committee to weigh inclusion impacts — noting her concern was not just "shame" but intimidation when school officials or others are visible near voters.
The committee agreed to devote a future meeting to operational questions about clickers, including cost breakdowns and staff roles. The survey comments will be posted publicly and used to frame the upcoming forums. The committee did not take a formal vote at this session on adopting electronic voting; it scheduled further discussion and outreach.
