Can You See this Ever Happening in Walpole?

Wayland this year experimented with electronic voting at Town Meeting. Each person was given an electronic voting device, where people pressed 1 for 'Eye', 2 for 'No' and 3 for abstain. Reaction there seemed positive, but I can't see this catching on at all in Walpole. I think our representatives like to hear the vote, and especially, like to see who is voting how when there is a standing count or a roll call vote. I think it takes the human element out of Town Meeting. "All those in favor, please press 1; opposed, press two." Then what?? As Moderator, I know I would miss the real emotion with which many people project their 'eye' or 'no.'

And as some of the comments to the article point out, can't the voting on these gizmos be manipulated? Maybe someday this will be the way we vote, but not soon I would expect.

Two other interesting points from the article. First, Wayland holds their town meetings on Saturday afternoons, as do many Towns. Would that work here?

Also, Moderator Peter Gossels moderated his last meeting after 30 years. Congratulations to such an impressive tenure. I had posted earlier about the longevity of many moderators. I'd like to do this job for 30 years.

Take care,

Jon