The Wenham Town Report for 2008 stated there were 466 registered voters, representing 17% turnout nearly double the 252 reported in the table. Turn-out in both towns has been on a steady decline but is most pronounced after the move in Hamilton to hold meetings on Saturdays.
The more interesting questions is why do fewer and fewer people engage in the process?

There seems to be a multitude of reasons, from child care to LL games to walking the family pet. Folks should be embarrased they can't take 4 hours a year from their "busy schedule" to conduct town business.
The one issue voter is another subject all together. Now, let the opposing views begin

I give "one-issue" voters credit for at least showing up for something. I'm more concerned about those who never set foot in the door. Roughly 2/3 of the residents don't have school-aged children, so child care, little league, etc. is not an excuse for them...where are those 66% of the voters?
Maybe voters don't believe they actually have a say. Everything usually passes anyway.
Maybe the issues are too complex. People feel they can't really understand it and it's better left up to those that are elected.
If you've never been to a town meeting, you don't understand why its important. How can we get more people involved?

Agree that one-issue voters are much preferable to no-issue non-voters. And one-issue voters are more likely to become multi-issue voters over time. Don't judge them, welcome them.

I think it is the changing world we live in and I think as we age the changes are harder to accept but I do believe that these "town meetings" will evolve to a completely on line process. Then the numbers will increase.
or that there will be a new method to get things on the ballot.....

I agree with Jennifer 100%, putting the process on line would engage many more people who are busy. So when they get a chance to log on, they can have some
positive input and vote . On line, is a process which would work also, as when people are away, out of state on business, at their jobs. They can log on, have a Town id and engage in the process from wherever they are in the country or throughout the world.

The other reason why people do not attend Town Meeting is not due to a lack of interest. Speaking of Bullying as in the other thread. When people speak their mind or disagree, they are often booed, criticized or ostracized. Usually, town officials, town or local public employees attend these meetings, because it is in their interest to do so in two ways. Their job security, their promotion advantage, and to network with other town elected officials and appointed officials. Town government is a relic of the past and should be replaced with an elected City government. The cost of having two towns with two separate town governments, services and officials is redundant and unnecessary. When you consider the resources available from our private sector, town government in plain terms is inefficient, ineffective and not representative of the majority. Thereby undemocratic at best. Just consider our water quality, the towns of Hamilton and Wenham were offered an opportunity to tap into Wenham lake for a nominal fee. They opted out and Salem has our water ? Really ? The way to go is an elected City government.
Otherwise the average Hamilton/Wenham tax bill will soon be, $10,000.00. You will no longer have to worry about our schools as only the rich will live here. The rich send their children to private schools, as they should.