Municipal Technology Committee supports voting clickers amid concerns at town meeting

The Southborough Annual Town Meeting held on April 7, 2025, focused on key budget approvals and the introduction of new voting technology. The meeting began with a unanimous vote on non-held budget lines, allowing the town to proceed with its financial plans for the year.

A significant discussion arose regarding the Municipal Technology Committee's involvement with new electronic voting clickers. Resident Will Warren raised concerns about the lack of documented testing and certification of the clickers, questioning their reliability for upcoming votes. He noted that the committee's minutes did not reflect any discussions about the clickers, leading to uncertainty about their functionality.

Matthew Probst, chair of the Municipal Technology Committee, responded by confirming that the committee had indeed reviewed the technology, including its security features and usage in other municipalities. He acknowledged the need for better documentation of their discussions in the minutes.

The conversation highlighted the importance of transparency and trust in the new voting process. Residents expressed the need for assurance that the clickers would work correctly, especially with a significant meeting scheduled for May 10. Probst assured attendees that the clickers had been tested and were secure, referencing their use in the House of Representatives.

Further discussions clarified that traditional voting rights, such as the ability to request a recount or a secret ballot, would still be available if concerns arose about the electronic voting process. Town officials emphasized that while no system is perfect, the integrity of the voting process remains a priority.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for confidence in the new technology, setting the stage for future discussions as the town prepares for its next significant meeting.