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Select Board says 114 responses don’t statistically represent Hope in citizen survey
Summary
The Select Board reviewed 114 returned surveys (68 online, 46 paper) and concluded the sample was not statistically representative; members discussed preserving an in-person Town Meeting while enabling private ballots to reduce intimidation.
The Select Board reviewed the results of a citizen survey that drew 114 responses: 68 completed online and 46 on paper. Members said many paper responses did not follow instructions and that the online submissions cannot be verified as coming from Hope residents.
Board members agreed the survey did not provide a statistically reliable sample of town residents. While all members expressed a preference to retain an in-person annual Town Meeting to allow floor discussion and amendments, several raised concerns that publicly visible show-of-hands voting can intimidate voters. The board discussed exploring procedures that would allow private voting during an in-person meeting to encourage fuller participation.
The board thanked Charlene Mazzeo for organizing the survey but voted to take no further action on the survey at this time.
