Privacy in Open Town Meetings
Traditional open town meeting voting can be problematic and painfully time-consuming. With advances in voting technology, many towns are making the switch to a new approach. People value their right to privacy, and this can be an issue in Town Meetings. In many meetings, voters are asked to raise their hand or stand to cast their vote. This takes away the privacy of their vote and can sometimes negatively affect relationships with friends and neighbors on contentious issues. Local merchants choose not to attend town meetings since they don’t want to risk alienating customers because of their voting decisions. Electronic voting provides a confidential and secure alternative.
How Does Electronic Voting Work?
Electronic voting systems for town meetings are available for rent or purchase. Wireless handset remotes are distributed to voters at the beginning of the meeting. When the Moderator announces that voting on a motion is open, each voter can then press the button for Yes or No on his or her handset that correlates with their decision. Only one vote is recorded per person – their last vote before the voting period closes. This allows for users to change their vote if they pressed the wrong button or simply changed their mind.
Each wireless handset securely transmits the vote to a control computer. Once voting is complete, the voting handset will display a confirmation message to let the user know that their vote was received. Results are immediately tabulated and displayed. As voters leave the meeting, they return their wireless handset devices in collection bins near each exit.
Why Switch to Electronic Voting?
It is important to adapt to the changing needs of today’s busy citizens. Electronic voting allows for more time spent on the actual debate, and less on tedious voting procedures. This is not only beneficial for town leaders, but also enhances the public’s interest in town meetings. Town Meeting Moderator Peg Metzger of Wellesley, Massachusetts stated that “The change to electronic voting would shorten the process of counting votes on closely contested articles, and would add heightened voting accountability.” Electronic voting can reduce the potential for unauthorized votes that can occur in a standing vote count. This process also eliminates the uncertainty of a voice or hand vote that is not decipherable.
Many towns in Massachusetts, California, and Florida have already adopted electronic voting. Wayland was the first town of Massachusetts to adopt the electronic voting process for their open town meetings. A study committee identified the main issues of concern. They found votes were often inaccurate, counting procedures were time-consuming, and the process eliminated the citizen’s privacy. Based on these concerns of speed, accuracy, and privacy, Wayland decided to adopt wireless keypad voting. The results exceeded their expectations, and they found the public response from voting to be extremely positive. Town meeting attendees were more focused on the actual debate and as a result, were able to get more done is less time.
Main Advantages of Electronic Voting:
- Privacy and security
- Results are faster and more efficient
- Less opportunity for error
- Immediate use of data
- Addresses the needs of the disabled
- Eliminates chances for error
- Data can be instantly displayed and published
issues to consider with Electronic Voting:
- Having enough equipment for all attendees
- Staffing requirements to set-up, operate and maintain the equipment
- Unforeseen circumstances such as a power outage
- Resistance to change by participants
- Required financial investment
