Town Meeting Procedural Change Grants Moderator Greater Voting Authority
Key Points
- The Moderator can now declare a 2/3rds majority by show of hands.
- The declaration stands unless questioned by seven or more voters.
- This amendment codifies what has previously been a standard procedural motion.
Under Article 5, voters approved a change to the town’s general bylaws that simplifies how major votes are recorded during Town Meetings. The amendment specifically addresses Article 3, Section 3 of the bylaws, codifying the Moderator's authority to declare two-thirds majorities.
The change allows the Moderator to declare a 2/3rds vote by a show of hands without performing a tedious physical count, unless that declaration is challenged by at least seven voters. This procedural update is intended to streamline meetings, especially for routine articles that require a supermajority under state law. The motion was brought forward by Advisory Committee member Liz Benotti and passed comfortably by a show of hands.
Motion: To amend the town of Pembroke general bylaws Article 3, section 3 as set forth in Article 5.
Vote: Passed - Clear majority