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Board reopens debate over write‑in line, cites charter language and resolution
Summary
Members debated whether to remove or retain the write‑in line on commissioner ballots; staff cited charter language and a recent resolution defining write‑in candidates and the 10‑day filing requirement, while some members said the deadline could disenfranchise voters who are out of town.
Board members debated the presence and handling of a write‑in line on the ballot for commissioner elections. The Chair said the charter allows a write‑in line and staff located a resolution and charter language describing write‑in candidates and filing deadlines; the board read aloud the resolution text defining a write‑in candidate and reiterating that a candidate must comply with town candidate requirements. One committee member argued the 10‑day filing requirement for write‑ins "disenfranchise[s] some very loyal citizens" who could not get absentee ballots in time.
Members agreed they could not vote on charter amendments at this meeting because the matter was not advertised on the agenda; they proposed a post‑election debrief and follow‑up meeting the week after the election to consider potential amendments or changes to the write‑in filing period. The board also discussed displaying a write‑in line for transparency and public feedback, with staff noting a caveat that a write‑in must be registered by a specified deadline to be counted.
