Open Town Meeting is the oldest form of government dating back to the mid 1600’s. It is a gathering of all registered voters with the purpose of giving every registered voter a voice in all matters concerning the governing of our town. It is the most direct form of government that can be found. Every vote matters and counts. However, attendance is required to have this voice.
Nowadays, with our “uber” busy lives, making time to attend these open town meetings is difficult, but the importance has not wavered. The ability to raise a concern, vote on a new bylaw or even repeal one is a huge benefit to living in a small town such as Wenham. This “ability to have a say in your town’s policies” should be treasured and not wasted.
From the Secreatry of the Commonwealth, here is a great Town Meeting resource; Citizen's Guide to Town Meetings.
"Clerks Corner" articles published in the Hamilton Wenham Chronicle on Town Meeting can be read here: January 19, 2017, March 2016, August 2015