What was on my mind when I voted? I’m really freaking tired. It was two years ago that I started writing about Barack Obama — when he came in 2006 to campaign for Bernie and Peter Welch — and almost a year and a half ago that I started covering the primaries on a daily basis. Eighteen months of back and forth, rumors and announcements, rallies, fundraisers, door-knocking, candidates threatening to drop in and candidates forced to drop out. And when all was said and done this morning, I took my eight-year-old daughter to the polls and watched her black in the ovals for me, because I was too tired to do it myself. Still, there was something therapeutic about watching her make spots on various parts of the ballot, something calming and primitive. Like occupational therapy, for people who’ve spent a little too much time in the trenches.

Left by Philip Baruth on March 4th, 2008

I love Town Meeting Day. I never realized how unique it was until I was a student at UVM and the out-of-state students would always ask me what it was. I had always thought that everyone had Town Meeting Day.

I love being able to vote directly on issues. Most of the policies that affect our daily lives are decided through our representatives in government. TMD is our yearly experiment in direct democracy. Even though the things we vote on are not as sexy as the issues we consider in a national election, I always find this to be the most exciting ballot I cast.

Left by Charity on March 4th, 2008

1. What motivates you to go to your town meeting or polling station and vote?

To hear what the decision-makers of my town have to say. They’re the ones living with these decisions day-in, day-out, and so it helps to hear what goes on behind the numbers. Just about every question about the allocation of funds at Arlington’s town meeting was met with a very thoughtful and practical response by our officials.

2. If you could add a comment on your Ballot for your elected officials to read, what would you say?
For the Arlington officials: Keep up the good work and don’t settle for less. You’re on the right track.

A few thoughts on Arlington’s town meeting:
- The majority of the questions were very sharp and appropriate. My impression is the people in attendance are very well aware of their town’s needs and their limitations in resources.

- I was also very impressed with Arlington’s elected officials who have generally kept very closely to their budget even in the midst of some unexpected expenses over the past year.

Overall it was a very informative and productive meeting and I’m grateful for the town meeting format.

Left by ed c on March 4th, 2008

I cast my ballot early this morning in Winooski — I was voter #3.

I was disappointed to see that no one is running for either of the two open seats on the school board.

Outgoing school board trustee Jodi Harrington was standing outside the polls encouraging people to vote for her for City Council. She said she had hoped that someone with kids in the school system would step forward to run for her spot on the school board, but no one did.

Do other towns have such a hard time fielding candidates for public office?

Left by Cathy Resmer on March 4th, 2008

1. Let’s put it this way, if we did not have the right to vote, I would like to think I would be among those struggling for the right and freedom to do so.

Thus, the only motivation I have ever needed is honoring the right and freedom won by those who fought for such in one fashion or another over the years, something I do not take for granted.

Since I have the right and freedom to vote, I make sure to exercise it, even when it seems my vote might not really matter; especially when I am constantly told by some political party loyalist or operative that my vote is wasted because I am not voting for either of the top major party candidates most likely to win, particularly the candidate who they consider to be the “lessor evil.” Not that it is anyone else business who I or anyone else vote(s) for or why, because it isn’t.

Other than that, the additional motivation I had was to vote in the Vermont Presidential primary for the candidate of my choice, whom I had to write in on the ballot since their name was not on it, yet I do not allow that to stop me as they are the only one whom in my opinion is both most fit and best qualified for the office and I have to vote my conscience and for no other consideration or rationalization.

2. Do something real and meaningful this year about creating both short as well as long term affordable housing for Vermonters across the state, especially for those most in need; and, I mean real housing, not “transitional” housing or more homeless shelters either, as these costs lots of money and only help a relative few people while merely serving as a poor temporary band aid when the money would be better employed if used for creating more long term, affordable, safe, descent, accessible housing.

The money is there, it is just often being used in many of the wrong or worse places as well as worse ways or methods and needs to be redirected. While it is true the economy is tough right now, this is the exact time to do something, because it will only get worse and when the state was doing better it did not do enough to deal with it then either. If nothing is done soon, the severe crisis that has existed for quite some time will only grow into something far worse.

Quit making excuses and passing the political football around and that goes for everyone.

Just get it done already!

Either that or, step aside and let others run for your office if you cannot manage to do your job and are only going to keep making excuses for yet another year!

In Montpelier, we do not have a town meeting format and just vote by ballot. In addition, no one stepped forward to challenge either the mayor or the city councilor up for re-election.

By the way, I have already cast my ballots both for town meeting day as well as the primary last Friday (February 29th), opting to do so via early voting and am glad I did.

Left by mwb on March 4th, 2008

I’ve voted by Australian ballot in every Town Meeting since I returned to Vermont after college but last night was my first traditional meeting in Shelburne. Even though I’ve covered every variety of meeting for Channel 17 over the years, I felt like a total newbie. When we checked in we were given a little blue piece of paper. I thought it was just a courtesy in case I wanted to jot down some notes. It turns out you are to hold it up when it’s time to vote - I didn’t find mine in time for the first vote. After holding up the blue paper for the third time in a row my partner commented, “This is fun, I feel like I’m in kindergarten.” I have to agreed, it was fun.

One of the contentious issues in Shelburne is a 1.1 million dollar bond vote for some bike paths and sidewalks. I’ve been reading about it for a while and was supportive until recently when it was revealed the plan included another sidewalk on Harbor Road that will go through my back yard. I never thought I would a NIMBY person but I have to admit that was my first reaction. There was a lot of outcry in town over the Harbor Rd. sidewalk because none of the effected homeowners had been contacted and there was no public discussion. My bottom line opinion is that we already have a sidewalk on Harbor Rd. and it is busy for about 20 minutes twice a day while school is in session. I’m also discouraged at how this was handled politically. I hope it goes down and the town comes back with another proposal.

Left by JessCCTV on March 4th, 2008

When I wrote:

“Do something real and meaningful this year about creating both short as well as long term affordable housing for Vermonters across the state, …”

What I had *meant* to write was:

Do something real and meaningful this year about creating *[deleted]* affordable housing for Vermonters across the state *both for the short as well as long term*, …

Left by mwb on March 4th, 2008

Hey - so is this an “open thread” or do you have to respond to the two questions, or the alternate option?

I choose the “open thread” option, and I sez - if you’re voting in Montpelier (no Town Meeting, just ballots) allow LOTS of time. Especially if you’re in District 3, which includes a huge chunk of the rental units in town, as there are a lot of first time voters who are having trouble with their registration. Add that onto the huge turnout, and its trouble. I was there at a slow time, and there was a long line. God help you if you come at the 5-6:00 PM time frame.

I know, I know. You all are looking for something more profound on this thread. I’m afraid I aint up for it today. “Blah, blah… Democracy… blah, blah… hooray….” Best I can do for now. It’s all good. If you’re reading this, you know that already.

I’ll be stopping in at the East Montpelier TM today… maybe I’ll have something to report.

Left by odum on March 4th, 2008

This isn’t any old race. It’s an historic event.

It’s quite likely that the outcome of this race will decide whether the oval office is inhabited somebody — anybody — other than another graying, white man. Unless, of course, something terribly unlikely occurs and John McCain is elected, presumably for the sole purpose of perpetuating the graying-white-male winning streak, as it seems he has little else to offer.

Even in that unlikely event, the outcome of this year’s presidential election is certain to have one result progressive-thinking folk can all get behind: the election of an individual whom the neoconservatives despise; an individual who may single-handedly cause the denizens of the hate-radio right to silence themselves, if only to keep from drowning in their collective froth and spume.

It truly is the dawning of a new day in America.

Left by Doug Cadmus on March 4th, 2008

What a joy to walk our kids to our Burlington Ward 5 polling place this morning. We saw lots of neighbors along the way and many of them were staffing the election. Always nice to see a number of the candidates themselves outside the venue.

After voting, I was asked to complete an exit survey sponsored by several national news outlets. I left several questions blank because I didn’t like any of the answers… utterly leading questions. If my thinking didn’t fit the media’s 3 or 4 options, then it must not matter. The more I think about it, the more ludicrous it seems.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Front Porch Forum has facilitated lots of local conversation about Town Meeting decisions and the presidential primaries. I wrote a brief summary about it yesterday.

I just read somewhere that people who were taken to the polling place as kids are many times more likely to vote as adults… seems like common sense. But, of course, there are precious few kids on the scene. So, we rolled our full set there, showed them the ballot, stepped through it. The poll workers were very accommodating.

Go Exit Voices! -Michael

Left by Michael Wood-Lewis on March 4th, 2008

Just finished up Northfield Town Meeting. My son’s first town meeting day (he’s just 5 months old)! Felt great giving him a front-row seat to democracy in action.

Most items passed without much debate. The exception? A proposal to establish a $500 fund for picnic tables at recreational areas in town. Small town democracy at its finest!

I was particularly pleased that the town voted in favor of establishing a conservation commission, something a small, dedicated band has worked on for about a year now. They’ve already secured some grant funding for surveys of the Dog River and trail- work on Payne Mountain. Commission status will boost their grant potential for other projects in the future.

It’ll be interesting, too, to see how the other big items fare: There’s a ballot item for a new police station, and of course the school budget. The former went down last time, but there is renewed interest b/c of the building’s dilapidated condition; the latter is almost always a close, 50-50 vote with one side or another eeking out enough to carry the day (followed by a series of re-votes, ugh!).

Rep. Anne Donahue was there… so was Sen. Bill Doyle. Didn’t see any other political glitterati, however.

I was pleased to see most members of our Democratic Town Committee were present for the meeting.

Wonder how much a meaningful, contested primary this year boosted town meeting attendance. It would be interesting to find out. Do people just turn out to vote? Or, do they stick around to discuss the details with their neighbors at the town meeting? What do you think? Anybody else observe greater numbers at the meeting? I’m sure the overall vote tallies will be substantially higher - probably record numbers.

As for a wish list item for the ballot, here’s mine: One thing I would love to see is the elimination of the recall rule. It requires a legislative fix, but currently Northfield voters can overturn a result by getting a small number of petitioners to call for a re-vote (think it’s 5 or 10%, or something). This means that even when we get a majority vote, a tiny minority can call it back and rely on a much smaller turnout the second time around (because special elections frequently have smaller turnout either because folks don’t know, or forget a special vote is happening, or because there aren’t other elections/candidates/ballot items to bring people out to the polls). This happens frequently when we do happen to pass the school budget. It’s a real thwarting of democracy, and a deceptive way to go about doing town business.

Left by Christopher Curtis on March 4th, 2008

Michael Wood-Lewis wrote:

“I just read somewhere that people who were taken to the polling place as kids are many times more likely to vote as adults… seems like common sense. […]”

No doubt about this being true, as I can attest that at least in my case it is probably among one of the chief reasons behind my taking my right and freedom to vote so seriously, due to my father taking me with him to vote after he got out of work and prior to the polls closing.

Although he would never tell me which candidates he voted for, but from time to time would ask my opinion about certain ballot questions such as when the question about going to daylight savings time was on the ballot.

This took place in Eastern Massachusetts where I spent much of my life from about age four and, except for those years here and there when I lived elsewhere in the U.S. from time to time, until I moved to Vermont in 1988.

By the way, coming from old fashioned New England Republican stock myself and although my father was an Independent, as I was living in Pennsylvania at the time I first registered to vote there, briefly as a Republican and then quickly switched to an Independent — which I have remained since. Although, back when Sen. Paul Tsongas ran for President, I participated in the Democratic caucus in Montpelier and was selected as a Tsongas delegate, attended the gathering in Burlington and became very tempted to switch to become a Democrat, at least until Gov. Howard Dean convinced me not to do so due to things he stated within his speech about those of us there carrying signs wanting to draft Peter Welch for Governor at the Democratic state convention held in Barre that year. All those of us doing so wanted was a real choice of candidates and a real election, not just another coronation. It might have well been the state Republican convention we were attending, it certainly had that feel, thanks to him anyway. He made it clear that his party did not have room for anyone who in his mind was what he believed to be a true or real Democrat or something along those lines, very clear indeed. That was enough for me and I will have nothing to do with any political party ever again like that and, will only vote for the person and their positions on the issues as well as their track record if any, not the party they might be affiliated with.

Left by mwb on March 4th, 2008

Correction to my last, had *meant* to write:

[…]

“… He made it clear that his party did not have room for anyone who in his mind was *not* what he believed to be a true or real Democrat or something along those lines, very clear indeed. …”

Left by mwb on March 4th, 2008

So this elderly lady stands up at Danville during the debate about spending $6k on speed-limit signs and says “… well, there’s this young woman that drives down my road, Mountain View Drive, every morning on her way to work and she just drives so fast, …”

At this point, a woman behind me leans over to her friend and says significantly “‘Old People Street’”.

The lady continued, “… if she only left 5 minutes earlier she wouldn’t have to rush so. I tried, but I just can’t catch her!”

Good natured laughter erupted and approving applause.

Left by Dan Zucker on March 4th, 2008

I’m an ‘Inspector of Election’ for Ward 3 in Burlington at Lawrence Barnes School. This afternoon four women came to vote — Irma Rodriguez (77), Delphine Hamlin (87), first- time voter Diane Trayah (66) and Betty Grady (84). I took their picture after they voted. The only other time Diane wanted to vote was for JFK back in 1960, but couldn’t because she was in the hospital. All four of them voted for Hillary and were proud of it.

I thought it was a great story.

Left by Bob Bolyard on March 4th, 2008

East Montpelier town meeting report - I was there briefly (and, as everywhere, turnout was very large).

The reason I was there was to get some footage of the vote on the 3 year moratorium on the large commercial groundwater extraction being proposed by a local landowner for a bottled water operation. There are, of course, almost no regulations on groundwater extraction, regardless of its impacts to nearby wells and surface water. There is legislation being discussed now to create a system and to give groundwater the same “public trust” status enjoyed by surface water.

The moratorium passed on a voice vote - sounded like about 2/3 to 3/4 in favor. Whether or not it can be legally enforced remains to be seen, but it was a lively and respectful process. Very cool.

Left by odum on March 4th, 2008

I grew up going to town meeting and as another poster commented, was surprised to learn that other places don’t have town meetings.

I go to town meeting to have a say in what’s happening. My wife goes because I drag her there. No, really she’s quite good about it. We always take our kids. At home we discuss the political process and issues. It’s an opportunity for them to learn how to have input on their own futures.

Here’s my annual town meeting report - sort of. More about voter ID, knowing who we are and town sponsored snow plowing.

Left by Walter Jeffries on March 4th, 2008

Great coverage so far, thanks!

Left by Emily on March 4th, 2008

I go to town meeting every year because it’s my town. If I didn’t go, I wouldn’t know why my taxes are what they are or why my town does what it does.

This year we voted 91 to 90 in favor of granting tax-exempt status to the Danville Historical Society. I voted against it. Next year I’ll ask the town for tax-exempt status for myself.

We also voted down an amendment that would have removed $6,000 for new speed limit signs from the selectboard budget. I voted for the amendment. We don’t need more signs. People who speed in our town aren’t speeding because they missed the sign.

If I didn’t go to Town Meeting I wouldn’t know what the hell is going on or what my neighbors think is going on.

Left by Dan Zucker on March 4th, 2008

Poopsie and I voted at Hunt School in Ward 7 around 1:30. We took the kids. Very uneventful. I think the best I can do right now is plagiarize John Odum. Rah, Rah… Democracy… blah, blah… hooray. Et Cetera.

At least it’s about 80 degrees warmer than last year.

Left by Haik Bedrosian on March 4th, 2008

This is great everyone, keep it up! Video posts are on the way!

Left by Bill Simmon on March 4th, 2008

My favorite part of town meeting was the sextet of local students opening up the festivities with our national anthem. Beautiful job.

Who would rather stay home than experience the neighborly harmony and discordance? I take part in these things because I hate being left out.

Left by Drea Kane on March 4th, 2008

I voted in Winooski this morning and was excited to see lots of people voting, but I was a little taken aback by how close the individuals who were running for office were standing to the entrance of the voting center. It was impossible to enter the building without having to walk right by them and have them offer to explain their perspectives. One of them even attempted to hand my husband his business card. It was a little intimidating and while I appreciate the time and effort these individuals are putting into our community, I wonder how appropriate it is for them to be campaigning so close to the building.

Left by Winooski Mom on March 4th, 2008

Gotta Democratic primary prediction thread up at GMD just under the wire, if anybody wants to do the partisan thing and come over to give it their best shot. Click here

Left by odum on March 4th, 2008

1. What motivates you to go to your town meeting or polling station and vote?
It’s the least I can freakin’ do to keep democracy afloat.

2. If you could add a comment on your Ballot for your elected officials to read, what would you say?
Err not, lest ye be blogged…about.

P.S. “Starfighter” indeed. If I’d realized how easy it was to get Bill & Emily’s vote, I’d have changed my name to Nato the Totally Awesome Jedi Knight…

Left by Nato on March 4th, 2008

Haik: “I think the best I can do right now is plagiarize John Odum.”

Clearly you’ve got a career in politics ahead of you.

For the record, I reject and denounce plagiarism.

Left by odum on March 4th, 2008

I was motivated to go to my polling station (no town meeting in Montpelier, only Australian ballot) and vote because it is the one direct opportunity that I have to be counted in deciding the workings of my local government.

My comment on my ballot for my elected officials to read would be to express my disappointment that the minimal financial disclosure provided by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library offered no information on the anticipated federal grant funds to be supplied to them during in the 2008 federal budget in the amount of approx. $400,000 This grant is listed by the Office of Management and Budget in a document found at this web address: http://earmarks.omb.gov/resources/tracking_pdfs/senate_floor_account_LA.474.00.0300.pdf

I would hope that if the city representative to the library board was not aware of this source of funding prior to the city’s approval of the budget appropriation for the library, that the city council will inquire about it now and consider this situation in future deliberations about funding for the library.

Left by mo on March 5th, 2008

How do you get a last name like Starfighter anyways? Is it Native American er somethin’?

Left by Mister Guy on March 5th, 2008

Town meeting day is my holiest secular holiday. I love the local politics, the national politics, the chatting with other pols while freezing outside BED. I always get a little choked up thinking about what people have sacrificed for the ability to have their vote counted. When I first worked on democratic campaigns in Massachusetts, New York, and CT, the scene outside the polls on election day was sometimes pretty nasty. Not so in Burlington’s South End. I held my campaign sign for about five hours, but only went in to vote when my son Emmett was there. This is the third time he colored in the bubble to vote for mom. very cool. Amy Werbel Ward 5 School Commissioner (now re-elected), Burlington

Left by Amy Werbel on March 11th, 2008

What’s all the fuss? Town Meeting has turned into just another Punch and Judy show for the 85%-95% voting dead. Low-level cadidates towing the line of the party that most reflects their personal opinion. I ran as an Anti-Masonic in Ward 1, Burlington in March only to have my number of actual votes changed in local media. Thank you to the 108 people who voted for me and who understand the term CHEMTRAIL…sorry to the 90 voters who were left out of the tally. That is the facade of democracy for you.

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