Article 34 authorized the appropriation of $100,000 from the unassigned fund balance to purchase or lease electronic voting devices for use at the 2027 Town Meeting. The move toward electronic voting is intended to increase the speed and accuracy of tallies, particularly for votes that require a two-thirds supermajority, which currently necessitate time-consuming standing counts.

Town Moderator Michael Puzo will manage the implementation of the new equipment. Proponents of the change believe that electronic voting will also provide a level of privacy that could encourage more residents to participate in controversial votes. The funding was approved by a majority vote, ensuring that Hingham’s legislative process will incorporate digital tallies by next year.

Motion: To appropriate $100,000 from unassigned fund balance.

Vote: Passed by Majority