Town meeting or the ballot vote? The question has come up again, this time in Woolwich.

Without taking sides, let’s examine the pros and cons of each, keeping in mind the voting will still take place in the spring to coincide with the school budget.

Ballot voting allows for absentee voting that really adds to the turnout. People have many reasons why they can’t attend town meeting. They want to be there but might have to work. Maybe they’re a single parent and can’t find a babysitter, or can’t afford to hire one. They could be ill, infirm or simply unable to attend. Absentee voting gives all of these folks the opportunity to cast a ballot.

Ballot voting allows the polls to be open all day and into the evening, which makes it much easier for people.

Voting at the polls means a voter has the responsibility of knowing what it is they’re voting on. Some articles are difficult to read and not easily understood. Public hearings explaining the meaning of the articles and their impact on the tax rate are always poorly attended.

Town meetings are a time-honored New England tradition. They are the truest and simplest form of democracy where majority rules. Anyone who wants to speak to an article has the opportunity. After the moderator recognizes a voter, that voter has the floor. Debate on an issue can, and often does, continue until every last voter has had their opportunity to be heard.

Moderators are human and sometimes make mistakes. When that happens, voters can ask for another tally and ballot clerks are on hand to carry out the count.

An annual town meeting is also a community event. People interact with their neighbors, get to meet new residents, exchange news and so forth. The Scouts, or other community organizations can also hold fundraisers.

Unfortunately, town meetings often aren’t well attended. If 10 percent of the eligible voters show up, it’s considered a big turnout.

Not everyone stays to the meeting’s end, the numbers dwindle as the day or evening wears on. This means even fewer voters are present to decide important issues.

Town meeting defenders argue even though there are fewer voters, they’re more informed. People can ask to have the meaning of an article explained, and get to hear discussion on both sides of an issue.  

Proponents of the ballot vote say voting at the polls gives more people the opportunity to vote.

Town meeting or ballot vote? Good arguments can be made for both methods. Deciding which option is best for Woolwich’s future won’t be easy.