ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

What is Annual Town Meeting?

Town Meeting is the legislative body of Canton's town government.
Any registered voter in Canton is eligible to attend and vote at Town Meeting.
You must be registered to vote in Canton by May 3, 2024 to participate in Canton's Annual Town Meeting. Check voter registration status here.
At Town Meeting, Canton residents vote on appropriations, zoning bylaws and other matters as set forth in the in the warrant.

Who is the Finance Committee and how do they come up with their recommendations?

The Finance Committee is comprised of a group of nine residents appointed by the Town Moderator.
The Finance Committee meets regularly in open meeting to listen to presentations on the warrant articles, to discuss the articles, and ultimately vote and make recommendations.
The Finance Committee meetings can be viewed on Canton Community Television.

How long does Annual Town Meeting last?

Annual Town Meeting starts at 7 pm on May 13, 2024. It runs until the body approves a motion to adjourn. While there is no set end time, past practice has been to adjourn around 11:00 pm.
If all articles have not been voted on by the end of the first night Annual Town Meeting continues the following Wednesday night, and continues to run on Monday and Wednesday nights until all articles are voted.

How can I prepare for Annual Town Meeting?

Read the Finance Committee Recommendations to Voters in advance of Town Meeting. This booklet was mailed to all households and contains all the articles being voted on and also contains votes and discussions of the Finance Committee. If you did not receive this booklet, additional copies are available at town hall.
Consider attending the Pre-Town Meeting Public Information Session on May 7th or watch the recording on Canton Community Television
Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures governing Town Meeting.
Read the Citizens Guide to Town Meeting from the Massachusetts Secretary of State

How can I participate at Annual Town Meeting?

After an article is described, town meeting voters can ask questions and make comments. Simply approach a microphone and wait to be called on by the Moderator.
To make the most of everyone’s time, remember the following:
- All questions and comments go through the Moderator.
- You will be asked to state your name and address for the record.
- State why you are in favor or against an article, unless you simply have a question, in which case just state that you have a question.
- Try not to repeat points made by previous speakers.
- Try to keep it short and to the point – other voters will appreciate this!
- Read the room. Consider whether voters have already decided or whether you have something new to add before speaking.

Are the articles voted on in the order they appear in the warrant?

No. At a previous Annual Town Meeting a by-law was adopted which requires that almost all warrant articles be acted upon in the order they are drawn by a lottery, not the order they appear in the warrant, with a few exceptions.

Visit the Town of Canton Website for more information

Questions?