Vermont Town Meeting Tradition Fosters Community Engagement

Congregants join hands at the conclusion of a service at Elmore United Methodist Church, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Elmore, Vt. In pockets of New England, democracy is done a bit differently. People ca

Residents of Elmore, Vermont, gathered at the town hall for their annual Town Meeting, a tradition dating back over 250 years. In a time when many feel disconnected from politics, this direct and in-person form of democracy allows townsfolk to come together to discuss and vote on local issues.

Despite the challenges facing traditional town meetings, Elmore's 886 residents have shown a strong commitment to preserving their unique way of governance. The sense of community is palpable in Elmore, where residents have rallied to support local businesses and institutions.