Vassalboro to Vote on Increasing Selectboard November 4, 2025
The Vassalboro Selectboard has placed three local questions on the ballot for voters to consider on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. These will appear alongside two statewide citizen initiatives.
One of the local questions asks whether to expand the Selectboard from three members to five. The idea has both potential benefits and drawbacks. To help residents make an informed decision, the following overview outlines some of the key points—based in part on information shared by the Town of Sullivan, Maine (population 1,200).
Three-Member Selectboard
Advantages
- Often reaches consensus more easily.
- Meetings are typically shorter and more efficient.
- Communications between the Town Manager and Selectboard remain straightforward.
- Maintains the current level of accountability and authority.
- Each member is directly engaged in all town business.
- All deliberations remain open and transparent to the public.
Disadvantages
- An absence can result in a 1–1 tie vote.
- One member may dominate discussions or become isolated.
- Residents have fewer board members to contact.
- Potential for two members to form a voting bloc.
- The board may face challenges managing growing town complexities.
- Limited capacity to coordinate with town committees.
Five-Member Selectboard
Advantages
- Brings a wider range of experiences, perspectives, and skills.
- Reduces the influence of any single “rogue” member.
- Two members can speak informally (without deliberating) under Maine’s open-meeting laws.
- Decisions require three votes, encouraging collaboration.
- Allows absences while still maintaining a quorum.
- Enables subcommittees to explore specific issues in detail.
- Expands residents’ access to Selectboard members.
Disadvantages
- Larger boards are not always more effective at solving problems.
- Meetings may run longer or involve more extended debate.
- Without procedural adjustments, the Town Manager’s workload could increase.
- Side conversations between two members, while legal, may create perception issues.
- Risk of collusion among three members.
- Potential for uncontested elections.
Your Vote Counts
The question of whether to maintain a three-member Selectboard or expand to five is an important decision for Vassalboro’s future governance. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Vassalboro Community School.
Residents are encouraged to learn more, ask questions, and share their views. Please remember to cast your vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.