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Danvers board directs bylaws and cost analysis for electronic town‑meeting voting; moderator stresses guardrails
Summary
After a lengthy debate weighing transparency and potential costs, the Select Board directed the town manager to draft two warrant articles (one authorizing electronic vote tabulation and one for funding) and requested a complete cost and time analysis and related procedural rules ahead of a possible vote at next year’s annual town meeting.
The Danvers Select Board on Dec. 2 authorized the town manager to draft two bylaw warrant articles to enable the use of an electronic vote tabulation system (handheld devices, commonly called “clickers”) for representative town meeting, and asked town staff to produce a complete cost and time analysis, operational protocols, and proposed rules of use for town meeting members and the moderator.
Supporters told the board electronic voting would improve accuracy, accountability and accessibility, and could modernize the town meeting experience. Select Board Member Mike said the system would make votes more reliable and could encourage participation. Opponents urged caution and called for a…
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