The legal requirement for physical presence at Open Town Meeting prevents many registered voters from participating in their town's governance

• Some voters have young children at home
• Some voters must travel for work
• Some voters cannot drive at night
• Some voters have disabilities
• Some voters are caregivers

In six towns studied, Open Town Meeting attendance rates average 2% to 6% of registered voters

• Attendance remains below 20% even for significant Warrant Articles, like operating overrides or debt exclusions
• Typically, more than 3 times as many voters participate in state and local elections as attend Open Town Meeting