Vote "Yes!" on Question 1:
Expand Lancaster's Select Board to Five Members

As part of the "Town Election" process in Lancaster, the ballot question committee drafted a 250 word argument  for expanding that board.  That argument will be distributed to the town prior to the election.   Here's our 250 word "elevator pitch":

Voting “Yes” will accept special legislation that expands our Select Board from three to five members.  It’s the final step in a careful three-year process aimed at improving Lancaster’s local government. Here’s why it makes sense:

●     Wider Representation: A five-member board allows for broader perspectives and more balanced decision-making as Lancaster grows and faces more complex issues.

●     Better Functionality: More members reduce the risk of tie votes and  quorum problems, allow for working groups, and allow the board to share responsibilities more effectively.

●     Common Sense Modernization: Neighboring towns including Harvard, Lunenburg, Paxton, Stow, and Clinton already have five-member boards. This change has been successful locally.

●     Thoroughly Researched: The initiative was researched by Lancaster’s Government Study Committee, supported by a town-wide survey, and recommended for a vote after comparing structures in similar communities.

●     Backed by the State: A mid-process audit by the Department of Local Services independently recommended the same change to improve governance.

●     Voter Supported: Last year’s Annual Town Meeting approved requesting this necessary special legislation.

●     Your Vote Finalizes This Multi-Year Process: After this Lancaster will elect members for the new seats in May 2026.

Members will serve three-year terms.   Next year you’ll pick three people from a list of all Select Board nominees: the three highest vote-getters will start three, two and one year terms respectively.

This is a practical, well-supported improvement that will help Lancaster govern more effectively. Let’s finish the process by voting “Yes.” 

9/31/2023:  In it's 2023 report reviewing Lancaster's government,  the state Division of Local Services recommended that Lancaster expand its Select Board to five members.   You can view that report here, with the recommendation on page 19 of the PDF file (or numbered page 13.)

2/12/2024:  The Lancaster "Government Study Committee" voted unanimously to recommend that this year's Annual Town Meeting consider expanding the Select Board!   You can read the Government Study Committee's report here.

3/25/2024:  The town meeting article has been submitted to the town clerk; it's been stamped in and all signatures have been certified!

4/29/2024:   We went through the "nuts and bolts" of the article at the Warrant Review Meeting.   Find it on TownHallStreams.com

5/6/2024:   "Article 20" was accepted at Annual Town Meeting tonight;  Lancaster will now request "Special Legislation" to expand Lancaster's Select Board.

7/2/2024:  Our special legislation has been introduced in the state legislature!   Bill H.4818, "An Act Increasing The Membership of the Select Board for the Town of Lancaster" was presented by Representative Meghan Kilcoyne.

9/12/2024:  Our special legislation was passed by the house!  On to the senate.

12/16/2024:   Our special legislation was passed by the senate!

1/2/2025:  Our special legislation was passed by the governor.  It's now part of Chapter 281 of the Acts of 2024.     

4/2/2025:  The question that will accept the special legislation will be on our Town Election ballot:  the Select Board voted that it will be "Question 1."

Next Steps:
May 12, 2025:  Approve the special legislation at the 2025 Annual Town Election.
May 11, 2026:  Elect 3 select board members (one for seat up for re-election, and two for new seats) to fill our 5 member board!