bibliophile222 t1_jdsxtkn wrote on March 26, 2023 at 11:04 PM

Of course, being a weekday isn't ideal for participation, but it is a state holiday, so schools and state offices are closed, which helps a bit.

thisoneisnotasbad t1_jdupx5z wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:18 AM

It only helps if you work for the state or the reason you can’t attend is school related. For the other large percent of people, taking a random Tuesday off work is not an option. Town meeting under represents economically disadvantaged populations and only allows you a voice if you are privileged enough to miss a day of work.

bibliophile222 t1_jdusz7r wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:57 AM

Agreed, although its also worth pointing out that if it were on a weekend, then people who work weekends (retail, food service, etc), who also tend to be economically disadvantaged, still wouldn't be able to attend. I worked weekends for many years. My partner currently works evenings in a grocery store and wouldn't be able to go if it were held on Tuesday evening.

thisoneisnotasbad t1_jduv7qz wrote on March 27, 2023 at 11:23 AM

Exactly. Town meeting was designed around a time when the majority of the state was engaged in agriculture. Not a ton doing in the world of farming in the first week of March.

The most truly democratic thing is ballot with universal mail in voting.

Team_Flight_Club t1_jdvd4nl wrote on March 27, 2023 at 2:01 PM

Came to express this sentiment. We are a state that produces most of its income from tourism and service industries; most of us work on the weekends!