Town Meeting and election FAQ
What is Town Meeting?
Town Meeting is one of the oldest, and arguably most democratic, forms of town government, dating back to the 1600s in Massachusetts. Town Meeting serves as the legislative branch of Milton town government. The term "Town Meeting" refers to both the legislative body, as well as the annual meeting(s) during which this body convenes. Town Meeting as a form of town government is largely confined to New England.
How many people are in Town Meeting?
In Milton, Town Meeting members are elected to represent their neighbors by precinct. Milton has 279 Town Meeting members (plus about 10 ex oficio members) spread across the town's 10 precincts, with each member serving a 3-year term.
What does Town Meeting do?
The executive branch of town government (the Select Board) creates a list of items—collectively called "the Warrant"—to be voted upon at the annual Town Meeting, which starts the first Monday in May. These items, called articles, relate to the town's budget or new or revised laws and may be submitted by town committees or by citizens. The Warrant serves as the agenda for Town Meeting, and by voting on each article in the Warrant, Town Meeting members establish an annual operating budget and consider amendments or revisions to town bylaws or policies. There can be a second (or third) Town Meeting if called by the Select Board.
What are the qualifications to run for Town Meeting?
Any registered voter in the Town of Milton 18 years of age and over may run for Town Meeting.
How do I know who my Town Meeting members are and how do I contact them?
Current Town Meeting members--along with their address and the date their term ends-- are listed by precinct on the Town Clerk website.
Where can I find more information on Town Meeting and town government?
The town's website has information on Town Meeting and town elections. For email alerts about different town government topics (news and announcements, meeting agendas, etc.) you can sign up here.
When is the last day to register to vote in the April 25th election?
April 15th is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the April 25th election.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
To request an absentee/vote-by-mail ballot, instructions are here. Please note (per the Town Clerk website): "The deadline to request a Vote by Mail Ballot is 5 PM on April 18, 2023. When requesting a vote by mail ballot, please be certain to leave enough time for mailing."