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05/23/2023 01:40 PMLess than 10% of registered voters turned out on May 23 to approve a $94.3 million spending package for the 2023-’24 fiscal year. The proposed budget, a $3 million increase from the current year’s budget, received overwhelming support despite the low turnout.
The referendum called for voters to cast ballots on spending for the both the Board of Education (BOE) and the town operations. Voters approved the $32.5 million town operations budget by a 63% margin, 735 to 453. Proposed BOE spending of $61.7 million was approved by a 64.3% margin, 768 to 426.
First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said she was happy the budgets were both approved but was confused by the low turnout.
“We are obviously grateful for those who came out and supported those budgets, but obviously disappointed in the level of turnout. This has really been the range for the last ten years in terms of budget referendums,” said Lyons.
According to Lyons, low voter turnout has been an issue in Madison for more than a decade, and she is looking for solutions via the Board of Selectmen to bolster turnout.
“We’ve really made a big effort to make the public aware of this over the last two years through communications through the town. I’m still surprised when people tell me they didn’t know the referendum was happening. The town has sent out multiple alerts about it, we’ve provided more signage, the Source has published an article about ten budget…and also publishes the article budget,” said Lyons. “One of the things we’re going to do is take a step back again, with the registrars, and talk about what other ways we can make people more aware. We also want feedback from the public as well.”
According to Lyons, the board is mulling several solutions to increase voter participation for future referendums.
“We are going to look at, next year, moving the date up. We also want to emphasize absentee ballots as well. Prior to two years ago, the way the board voted on the budget didn’t allow enough time to have absentee ballots printed and available,” said Lyons. “The last two years, we made an effort to allow absentee ballots in that timeline, but I think that’s another thing people don’t realize is that they can vote absentee now for the budget referendum. I think more education on that piece might help.”
Lyons said that no resident even attended the hybrid public hearing on the budget this year, which is mystifying for the board.
“I don’t think there’s an easy solution, unfortunately. We’re not alone; many towns seem to be in this situation. Maybe we do some sort of survey and get people’s feedback on what ideas do you have that can make you more in tune with this and to participate.”
Selectman Bruce Wilson also voiced frustration with low turnout and the need for solutions to address the issue.
“it is unfortunate that turnout is so low for the town budget. This is the trend and a regular topic of discussion with the selectmen. We routinely get 80% turnout in the fall elections, and yet, the same voters do not weigh in on the budgets that set their property taxes,” said Wilson. “It may mean that residents are generally happy with town spending and don’t feel the need to voice concern with a “no” vote, but we truly do not know for sure. What we do know is that the budget is adopted by whoever shows up to vote in May, regardless of their number.”