Expanding the Select Board is a Win for Weston
January 13: Weston’s Final Vote for a 5-Member Board
A Step Forward for Weston
This January, Weston voters will have the opportunity to support a simple but meaningful change — expanding the Select Board from three members to five. A larger board will make Weston’s local government stronger, more representative, and better equipped to handle the complex issues facing our community today.
Even though Weston residents have already voted — twice — at Town Meeting to expand the Select Board, the change won’t take effect until it’s approved by a simple majority in a final ballot vote at the Special Town Election on January 13th. You can vote in person at Town Hall or by using a convenient mail-in ballot, as described below. If voters approve the change, Weston will elect two new Select Board members this May, in addition to filling the open position for the member whose three-year term is expiring.
Here’s Why This is a Positive Step for Weston’s future:
Broader representation: Reflects Weston’s growing and more diverse population, ensuring more voices and perspectives are heard.
More expertise at the table: Additional members bring a wider range of professional experience, skills, and ideas to solve complex challenges.
Healthier debate, better decisions: A larger board allows for more discussion and reduces the risk of groupthink — leading to smarter, more balanced outcomes.
More capacity to get things done: With five members, the board can work more efficiently between meetings without violating Open Meeting Law.
Lighter individual workload: Sharing the responsibilities among five people makes serving more manageable and attractive to potential candidates.
In line with the rest of Weston: All other elected boards — like the School Committee and Planning Board — already have five members.
Consistent with best practices: More than 80% of towns in Massachusetts with similar populations already operate with five-member boards.
More transparency and collaboration: Easier to avoid accidental quorum issues and encourage open communication.
A proven model: No town that has expanded to five members has chosen to revert to three.
A step forward: Strengthens local democracy and ensures Weston’s government is equipped for the future.
How to Vote in the January 13th Special Election
It is very easy to vote; you can either vote in person or send in a Vote by Mail Application and get a ballot mailed to you.
How to Vote in Person: Early in-person voting will take place at Town Hall from Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9. Voting hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
There will be no early voting on Monday, January 12, since state law requires early in-person voting to end two days before Election Day. The final opportunity to vote will be on Election Day, Tuesday, January 13, when the polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to Get a Vote by Mail Application:
Download and print an application from the Weston Town Website: Special Town Election
OR – Pick one up at Town Hall, the Council on Aging or the DPW
OR – Call to request one from the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-786-5010, and they’ll mail it to you
How to Submit Your Completed Vote by Mail Application:
Your application must arrive at the Town Clerk’s Office by Monday, January 6, 2026. Apply early so there’s time for your ballot to arrive and be returned on time. Be sure to sign and date it with a real signature, not your printed name.
Scan and email it to: murphy.j@westonma.gov
OR – Drop it off at Town Hall during business hours or in the secure drop box in front of the building
OR – Mail it to: Weston Town Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 378, Weston, MA 02493
Receiving and Returning Your Ballot:
Ballots will be mailed out as soon as they are printed in late-November.
When you receive yours, simply follow the instructions carefully and return it by mail or to the drop box at Town Hall before polls close on Tuesday, January 13th.
Your Vote Will Shape Weston’s Future
Democracy only works when we show up. Weston residents have voted again and again to support expanding the Select Board — and this January’s vote is the final step to make it happen. It’s the right move at the right time. There’s too much work ahead and too much at stake for our town to leave things as they are. Your voice matters, and your vote will help pave the way for a stronger, more effective, and more representative Weston. This is your town — and your vote will shape its future.