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1. When does the Warrant Committee meet?

The Warrant Committee generally meets once a week from September to May. Check the Town Calendar for meeting dates and times.

2. Are Warrant Committee meetings open to the public?

Yes. All Warrant Committee meetings are open to the public.

3. How does one get on the Warrant Committee?

Members of the Warrant Committee are appointed by the Moderator.

4. How does an article get on the Warrant?

There is more than one way for an article to get on the Warrant. 

The first way is for the Board of Selectmen to determine what items can get on the Town Warrant for Town Meeting. In addition to that, in Massachusetts, residents may place articles on the warrant without approval of the Selectmen by petitioning to insert the article. 

Petition

Petitions to insert an article on the warrant for an Annual Town Meeting require ten signatures of eligible Dover voters. Petitions to insert an article on the warrant for a Special Town Meeting require 100 signatures or the signatures of 10% of the registered voters in the town, whichever is less. 

Annual Town Meeting

The Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting is usually open for acceptance of articles in early December and closes in late January. Please call the Selectmen’s Office at 508-785-0032, ext. 221 for more information.

5. Is it possible for citizens to review Articles prior to Town Meeting?

Yes. There is an Open Hearing in March open to all residents of Dover. Also, the Warrant Committee sends out a "blue book" with their recommendations on the articles prior to Town Meeting in May.

6. Is the blue book available online?

The Warrant Committee sends an electronic copy of the blue book to the town’s Information Technology (IT) Department for posting on the homepage of the town website at the same time it is ready in hard copy. 

It is made available on the homepage of the Dover Town Website until Town Meeting occurs.

7. How long does a member of the Warrant Committee serve?

Terms are for 3 years.