Overview

The Town of North Reading has an “Open” Town Meeting form of government (as opposed to “Representative”) meaning that any registered voter may participate and vote at Town Meeting.   This forum is unique to New England and represents the most basic democratic form of government — an equal voice and an equal vote for every voter.

Town Meeting is the legislative body of the Town.   Each Town in Massachusetts must hold at least one Annual Town Meeting in February, March, April, May or June; however in North Reading our Charter requires that we hold two Town Meetings – in June and October annually.    Special Town Meetings may also be called (and often are) for other business as the Select Board may deem necessary, and may also be called by petition of at least two hundred registered voters of the Town.

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