Australian Ballot is Passed

During the voting at Town Meeting yesterday, the majority of St. Johnsbury residents voted yes to using the Australian Ballot in future town meetings instead of holding an actual meeting. That is a huge change, as Town Meeting has been a tradition in Vermont for 219 years. The article passed 843 to 306. Though the resident's voted for the change, the ultimate decision will be made by the legislature. If the article is passed by the legislature, voting with the Australian Ballot will allow more citizens to vote on articles, as opposed to decisions being made by only the people who show up at Town Meeting. This year's meeting saw only 5% out of the total number of voters in the town, leaving many people unable to vote on the specific issues dicussed at town meeting. Will St. Johnsbury really say goodbye to Town Meeting for good? The decision has yet to be decided. Updates will follow.