Clerk Jim Hegarty demonstrates new electronic voting process for attendees

Southborough residents will soon experience a more efficient voting process at town meetings thanks to the introduction of electronic voting devices. During the Annual Town Meeting held on April 7, 2025, Town Clerk Jim Hegarty demonstrated the new clicker system designed to streamline the voting process, particularly for close calls.

Each registered voter in attendance received a clicker, with blue lanyards for those in the auditorium and orange lanyards for those in an adjacent room. Hegarty explained that the clickers would allow voters to quickly record their votes, significantly reducing the time spent on tallying results. The system is designed to ensure that votes are only counted when the moderator opens the voting window, indicated by a green light.

The demonstration included test votes to familiarize attendees with the clickers. Voters were able to see immediate feedback on their devices, confirming that their votes were recorded. Hegarty emphasized that voters could change their selections as long as the voting was open, ensuring flexibility in decision-making.

This technological upgrade aims to enhance participation and engagement during town meetings, making the voting process more transparent and efficient. As Southborough moves forward with this initiative, residents can expect a smoother experience in future meetings, fostering a more inclusive environment for civic engagement.