Towns debate SB2 in NH

As town meeting season gets underway, New Hampshire municipalities are experiencing the pros and cons of a traditional town meeting versus SB2 procedures. 

Towns that have adopted SB2 procedures hold a "deliberative session" to debate the budget and various articles, but voting takes place by ballot on town election day.

In a traditional town meeting, voters gather together on one day to deliberate and vote on the town budget and other articles. 

A traditional town meeting may allow for more nuanced votes and ensures that the voters are more informed on the issues.  However, town meetings can become onerously long and contentious - as happened in Grafton this year.

Supports of SB2 argue that it is easier for residents to stop by the polls than to make time for an hours-long town meeting. 

On the other hand, SB2 opponents argue that voters at the polls no longer have a significant voice in budget choices, as there are only two budget options on the ballot: whatever budget was agreed upon at the deliberative session, and a "default" budget that is calculated by formula.  This is particularly problematic when there is low attendance at the deliberative session, as happened in Gilmanton this year.