Town Meeting Day

Photo by Caitlyn Schaefer. Father-daughter duo Emily and Dan Raabe found themselves on opposite sides of Saturday’s debate.

Photos by Lee Krohn. Back right, town moderator Charlie Russell watches as residents vote by paper ballot on Article 7, which would have switched the town to permanently voting on the town budget items by Australian ballot. Ultimately, this paper-ballot vote defeated, 151-101, voting by Australian, or secret paper ballot, in the future — unless it is a situation like this when the result of a voice vote is inconclusive.

Photo by Scooter MacMillan. From left, Tai Dinnan and Linda Hamilton represent the Grange with a model of the Grange Hall, one of a number of organizations with table displays in the hallway outside the meeting room at Charlotte Central School.

Photos by Scooter MacMillan. Current selectboard member Natalie Kanner and former board member Matt Krasnow smile, despite having to wait in a long line to check in for the meeting, probably happy about the turnout to participate in the town’s direct democracy.

Photo by Scooter MacMillan. More than 300 people showed up for Charlotte’s first in-person town meeting since COVID. Extra chairs had to be brought in. The meeting started 30 minutes late, delayed by the need to get so many people confirmed as registered town voters.

Photo by Meg Berlin. Left, Moe Harvey helps distribute mics so people can be heard when they speak on issues at town meeting.

Photo by Lee Krohn. A dad shows his daughter how decisions are made at a town meeting.

Photo by Lee Krohn. Janet and Mike Yantachka follow the proceedings. Toward the end of town meeting, Mike Yantachka introduced an advisory motion for the town to pass a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and support for Ukraine. This resolution passed, sounding like there was only one dissenting voice.

Photo by Lee Krohn. A canine got an education in direct democracy.