Mattapoisett explores alternative day for Town Meeting in attempt to attract more voters

MATTAPOISETT — In an effort to encourage higher attendance at Town Meeting, the Mattapoisett Select Board has suggested moving the meeting from a Monday evening to a Saturday afternoon.

Among the approximately 7,000 people who live in Mattapoisett, Select Board Chair Tyler Macallister said only about 225 typically attend Town Meeting. He and board member Jodi Bauer agreed they are concerned by the low attendance rate and are open to any change that could get more voters involved. 

“If 200 people are making the decision of close to 7,000 people, that is not a fair representation,” Macallister said. “Whatever we can do to get people to go to Town Meeting — if it's changing the date, changing the time — people need to go.”

With a budget of over $30 million and about 300 line items for the upcoming year, both members said it is important for more of the town to be represented at the Spring Town Meeting. 

They said they often get calls from people upset when their taxes change after a Town Meeting, and urged residents to attend in the spring for an opportunity to vote on the town’s finances.

The idea for exploring interest among residents came from conversations Macallister had with people who have told him the current time is too late in the evening. 

In a town with an aging population, Macallister said the move could fit more people’s schedule and encourage more engagement with town government.

Many older residents have told him the evening occurs when they’re too tired to leave their homes, or is during the time they usually eat dinner. An afternoon meeting could appeal to more of the town’s older residents, Macallister said.

Bauer said for younger families, attending their children’s sports games or other activities could make attending a Saturday meeting difficult. 

“I say keep it at night,” she said. 

Macallister said the idea is still in the early stages, and he wants to hear from residents on their preferences before considering presenting it more formally.

The town is currently seeking feedback on the idea. Mattapoisett residents can fill out a survey on the town website to voice their opinion. 

Without positive reactions Macallister said he wouldn’t continue pursuing the idea, but he felt it was worth gauging interest. 

“If you don't ask questions, then the answer is always no,” he said.

Mattapoisett isn’t the first town in the area to consider changing when Town Meeting occurs. Harwich and Duxbury are among Massachusetts towns that have switched to Saturdays, along with some areas of New Hampshire.