BRATTLEBORO-Analysis of Brattleboro's Charter Revision Survey reveals growing dissatisfaction with the current Representative Town Meeting (RTM) system.
In Districts 7, 8, and 9, significant majorities - 66%, 78%, and 62%, respectively - expressed concerns about the RTM's effectiveness, transparency, and ability to represent the will of the people.
Many respondents described the RTM as unaccountable and increasingly dominated by a small group of activists or individuals with personal agendas. Several pointed to key votes - especially on budget priorities and human services funding - that directly contradicted broader public sentiment.
Throughout the survey, one theme was clear: Residents want more direct and inclusive forms of democracy.
Open Town Meetings and Australian ballot voting, the most commonly suggested alternatives, were praised for upholding the fundamental democratic principle of one person, one vote.
However, open Town Meetings, while more inclusive in theory, share many of the same flaws as the RTM. In both settings, those with strong personal agendas often dominate the conversation, while others - especially local business owners and community members - remain silent out of fear.
In today's polarized environment, some fear that expressing unpopular views could lead to backlash, public shaming, or even organized boycotts. Brattleboro once prided itself on civil dialogue and mutual respect, but that culture is increasingly under threat by these big-city tactics.
The Australian ballot ensures confidentiality, respects individual conscience, and encourages participation from all voters, regardless of social standing, political affiliation, or personal risk. It levels the playing field and removes the pressure that too often distorts public debate.
Brattleboro citizens would still have plenty of opportunity for input through the months of budget preparation during open Selectboard meetings. The Selectboard would still hold an informational meeting to answer questions before we go into the polling booth to mark our ballots privately, safely, and without intimidation.
Every Brattleboro voter deserves a voice - and the freedom to use it without fear.
As one survey respondent put it: "It is time to let the populace vote for themselves again."
Another summed it up simply: "Australian Ballot is the only way every person who chooses to participate has a truly equal voice."
And perhaps most importantly, a reminder of what democracy truly requires: "If eligible voters still decide not to cast a ballot, then too bad for them. They have disenfranchised themselves and have no reason to complain about the government that they get."
Timothy Belknap
Brattleboro
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
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