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Woodbury voters reject use of voter checklist for paper ballots
Summary
At the 2026 Woodbury Town Meeting voters turned down a proposal to require a voter checklist for paper‑ballot voting, with supporters saying the checklist would slow voting and opponents saying existing check‑in procedures suffice.
Woodbury — Town meeting attendees on the floor voted on whether to require a voter checklist at paper‑ballot stations and the measure failed after brief debate.
Moderator Stephen Murphy put the question to the assembly after describing the Vermont League of Cities and Towns recommendation that a member checklist be used for paper‑ballot voting. Patrick Flood, a longtime participant in town meetings, urged voters to reject the checklist, saying Woodbury’s customary check‑in and name‑tag system has worked for decades and that the checklist would “slow things down.” After limited debate Murphy closed discussion and called the voice vote. He announced, “The no’s have it,” and said the assembly would not use checklists for paper ballots.
Why it mattered: The checklist would have created a formal record of who cast paper ballots and added a screening step at the ballot box. Supporters of the status quo cited practicality and speed; the moderator had emphasized that the checklist guidance in the training handbook is discretionary, not required by state law.
What’s next: The town will continue to use its customary check‑in table and name‑tag system for voter identification at town meetings unless voters later instruct a change.
