SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Swanzey residents will have another opportunity tonight to weigh in on whether the town should abandon its SB 2 form of government and return to a traditional, in-person town meeting.

A public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Whitcomb Hall, giving voters a final chance to comment before the proposal appears on the March ballot.

The question advanced earlier this month during the town’s annual deliberative session, where roughly 90 residents gathered to review warrant articles set for the March 10 election. While no final decisions were made that night, voters approved all articles to move forward, including the proposal to rescind SB 2, with some amendments to other items.

Debate Over How Swanzey Makes Decisions

The proposal to repeal SB 2 generated the longest and most spirited discussion of the evening.

Those favoring a return to traditional town meeting argued that the current SB 2 format — which separates a deliberative session from ballot voting — can leave residents casting votes without fully understanding complex issues. They maintained that face-to-face debate on the meeting floor allows voters to ask questions, hear different perspectives, and amend articles before any binding decisions are made.

Supporters also contended that the quality of participation matters more than the total number of ballots cast. Some suggested that holding meetings on Saturdays, offering childcare, and expanding outreach efforts could make a traditional format more accessible to working families.

In past discussions, Selectboard member Mark LaBelle indicated the push for change stemmed in part from concerns following last year’s town election. He said officials felt some ballot questions — including a failed effort in 2025 to transition the town’s water system to public control — may not have been fully understood by voters.

Members of the town’s governance committee, including Ann Heffernon, have previously said they examined several structural options before concluding that the open town meeting format offered the most direct and transparent form of local government. She also noted that not all voters participated in every ballot question last year, which she interpreted as a sign that some articles may not have been clear to residents.

Others, including former board members, have argued that a traditional meeting could strengthen accountability and provide more direct oversight of town spending and taxation.

Concerns About Access and Fairness

Opponents of the change have voiced concerns about accessibility, saying SB 2 allows more residents to participate because voting takes place by ballot throughout the day. They warned that returning to a single, multi-hour meeting could disadvantage residents who work weekends, have caregiving responsibilities, or are otherwise unable to attend in person for extended periods.

After extended public comment at the deliberative session, voters agreed to send the repeal article to the March ballot without modification.

Tonight’s public hearing will allow additional feedback before residents make a final decision at the polls next month.