Middlesex Town Meeting 2024
After a three-year break due to Covid precautions, Middlesex Town Meeting is back! Town Meeting Day occurs this year on Tuesday, March 5, and all voter activities in Middlesex will be held at the Rumney Memorial School on 433 Shady Rill Road.
Here are some things to know.
WHAT IS TOWN MEETING?
All Middlesex voters are invited to join in this democratic event! Middlesex’s Town Meeting begins on Tuesday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Find the agenda (called the “Warning”) in the Middlesex Annual Report or the town website.
Since 1762, town meeting has been the basic system of governance for Vermont towns. At Town Meeting, you can engage in democracy in its most direct form, speak on issues of interest to you, learn your neighbors’ viewpoints, make amendments, and vote. This is your opportunity to engage in a powerful New England democratic tradition, and an important way to meet your neighbors and learn what issues are most pressing in our community.
Only warned articles can be acted on at Town Meeting. If you’d like to learn about how to get items on the warning, and other details, find more info here.
Town Meeting is managed according to Robert's Rules.
WHAT ABOUT BALLOT VOTING?
In Middlesex, a pre-printed paper Australian ballot is used to vote for town officers and school-related matters. Find info about local candidates here.
This year is a Presidential Primary year, so you can also choose to vote in the Republican or Democratic Primary at this time.
You can stop by Rumney School anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to cast your ballot. Early/absentee voting is also available on these articles; contact the Town Clerk for more information (802-223-5915).
WILL THERE BE A TOWN MEETING SUPPER?
After the meeting is over, all are encouraged to stay at the school for a delicious Town Meeting Spaghetti Supper with salad, homemade rolls, and a variety of desserts, to benefit the Middlesex Community Fund and Rumney PTNO. (It’s pay what you can, suggested donation $10 for adults, $4 for children under 12.)
You’re also invited to show off your cooking talents by bringing your favorite treat offering for the dessert potluck!
WHAT IF I NEED A RIDE TO TOWN MEETING?
If you need a ride to town meeting, please call Dave Shepard at 229-1744.
WILL THERE BE TOWN MEETING CHILDCARE?
Free childcare will be available during town meeting at the Rumney School, for those who reserved by 2/23. For more information, please contact Kimberly Bolduc, Community Connections, 223-5429 x1108 or email [email protected]. Thanks to the Middlesex Community Fund for providing funds to make childcare free.
CAN I WATCH TOWN MEETING FROM AFAR?
If you can’t make it to Middlesex’s Town Meeting in person this year, you can watch and listen online. Here is the link to the livestream: https://www.orcamedia.net/show/middlesex-town-meeting-live
Please note that due to statutory restrictions, this is not an interactive link (no ability to speak or vote).
Historical note: Middlesex residents may recall that for many years (2008-2020) the Middlesex Solutions Committee facilitated remote town meeting participation (including speaking and voting) for those who could not attend due to health/mobility issues or public service. However, the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office is currently disallowing this practice until new security regulations are defined regarding identification of remote voters. We’ll bring back the remote town meeting participation option as soon as we can!
HOW CAN I GET INFORMED AHEAD OF TIME?
WOW, THANKS! ANY OTHER GREAT TIPS?
Here are a few other great Middlesex resources, now and year-round:
This information brought to you courtesy of your neighbors on the Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee.
After a three-year break due to Covid precautions, Middlesex Town Meeting is back! Town Meeting Day occurs this year on Tuesday, March 5, and all voter activities in Middlesex will be held at the Rumney Memorial School on 433 Shady Rill Road.
Here are some things to know.
WHAT IS TOWN MEETING?
All Middlesex voters are invited to join in this democratic event! Middlesex’s Town Meeting begins on Tuesday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Find the agenda (called the “Warning”) in the Middlesex Annual Report or the town website.
Since 1762, town meeting has been the basic system of governance for Vermont towns. At Town Meeting, you can engage in democracy in its most direct form, speak on issues of interest to you, learn your neighbors’ viewpoints, make amendments, and vote. This is your opportunity to engage in a powerful New England democratic tradition, and an important way to meet your neighbors and learn what issues are most pressing in our community.
Only warned articles can be acted on at Town Meeting. If you’d like to learn about how to get items on the warning, and other details, find more info here.
Town Meeting is managed according to Robert's Rules.
WHAT ABOUT BALLOT VOTING?
In Middlesex, a pre-printed paper Australian ballot is used to vote for town officers and school-related matters. Find info about local candidates here.
This year is a Presidential Primary year, so you can also choose to vote in the Republican or Democratic Primary at this time.
You can stop by Rumney School anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to cast your ballot. Early/absentee voting is also available on these articles; contact the Town Clerk for more information (802-223-5915).
WILL THERE BE A TOWN MEETING SUPPER?
After the meeting is over, all are encouraged to stay at the school for a delicious Town Meeting Spaghetti Supper with salad, homemade rolls, and a variety of desserts, to benefit the Middlesex Community Fund and Rumney PTNO. (It’s pay what you can, suggested donation $10 for adults, $4 for children under 12.)
You’re also invited to show off your cooking talents by bringing your favorite treat offering for the dessert potluck!
WHAT IF I NEED A RIDE TO TOWN MEETING?
If you need a ride to town meeting, please call Dave Shepard at 229-1744.
WILL THERE BE TOWN MEETING CHILDCARE?
Free childcare will be available during town meeting at the Rumney School, for those who reserved by 2/23. For more information, please contact Kimberly Bolduc, Community Connections, 223-5429 x1108 or email [email protected]. Thanks to the Middlesex Community Fund for providing funds to make childcare free.
CAN I WATCH TOWN MEETING FROM AFAR?
If you can’t make it to Middlesex’s Town Meeting in person this year, you can watch and listen online. Here is the link to the livestream: https://www.orcamedia.net/show/middlesex-town-meeting-live
Please note that due to statutory restrictions, this is not an interactive link (no ability to speak or vote).
Historical note: Middlesex residents may recall that for many years (2008-2020) the Middlesex Solutions Committee facilitated remote town meeting participation (including speaking and voting) for those who could not attend due to health/mobility issues or public service. However, the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office is currently disallowing this practice until new security regulations are defined regarding identification of remote voters. We’ll bring back the remote town meeting participation option as soon as we can!
HOW CAN I GET INFORMED AHEAD OF TIME?
- Great background reading! Check out the Middlesex Annual Report for lots of details on the issues we’ll be discussing at Town Meeting
- Article 8 is about a proposed study for Town Hall renovation. See this link for a video of the February 13 informational meeting about this article. Input this passcode: T%Mmnr4%
Check out the Proposed Town Hall Renovation Plans Here!
- Click here to see the presentation Vermont Integrated Architects delivered to the public on October 3rd
- Click here to see the site drawing
- Click here to see the renovation plans
- Click here to read the budget summary
- Article 7 regarding authorizing the purchase of a new excavator will be voted on by ballot. There will be an Informational Hearing about that article on February 29th. Find more details, including a Zoom link, on the Town of Middlesex home page.
WOW, THANKS! ANY OTHER GREAT TIPS?
Here are a few other great Middlesex resources, now and year-round:
- Visit the official Middlesex town website, www.middlesexvermont.org. It features agendas and minutes for town committees, election details, contact information, and more. You can also phone the Middlesex Town Clerk’s office with any questions: (802) 223-5915.
- Check out more of this What’s Next Middlesex site. Here you’ll find the Middlesex Candidates Page, where candidates have all been invited to say a little about themselves so you can make an informed vote. You’ll also find updates from Middlesex’s planning commission, energy committee, capital planning, trails, and other local projects.
- Front Porch Forum, Middlesex’s free online “bulletin board,” features daily postings from Middlesex officials and your neighbors about everything from local meetings to yard sales to lost pets. If you have email, you can join Front Porch Forum. It’s free! Go to www.FrontPorchForum.com
This information brought to you courtesy of your neighbors on the Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee.