Why You Need to Attend the 2025 Blackstone Annual Town Meeting
It only takes one night to shape an entire year in Blackstone.
Last year, only 126 people—just 1.65% of Blackstone’s 7,597 registered voters—voted yes to approve the town’s $33.29 million operating budget. That means a tiny fraction of residents decided how to spend millions of your tax dollars at the Blackstone Annual Town Meeting.
This year’s proposed budget? $34.6 million.
And again, it’s up to those who show up.
Let’s make it clear: the future of Blackstone belongs to those who take part.
“But I’ve never been to a Blackstone Annual Town Meeting…”
That’s okay! You’re not alone. We get it—if you’ve never been to a town meeting, it can feel a little intimidating. Maybe you’re shy. Maybe you think you have to speak up to be involved. You don’t.
Town Meeting is open to every registered voter. You can simply come, sit, listen, and vote. That’s it.
When it’s time to vote, we use clickers—quiet, simple devices so nobody sees how you vote. There’s no pressure. You don’t have to raise your hand or stand up.
But your vote counts just the same.
“I don’t know what they’re even voting on…”
That’s where we come in. Over the past few weeks, we at Small Town Post have done the homework for you.
We’ve published easy-to-understand breakdowns of:
✅ Every Annual and Special Town Meeting warrant article
✅ Major budget requests and line items
✅ Big salary increases and department needs
✅ Important discussions from Finance, Capital Outlay and Board of Selectmen meetings
All in one place:
Your Money, Your Town: Understanding the Key Discussions at Blackstone’s FinCom Meeting
Blackstone 2025 Town Meeting Warrant: Article-by-Article Breakdown
Blackstone 2025 Special Town Meeting: 6 Warrant Articles Explained
Blackstone Finance Committee Recap: 2026 Budget Discussions, Department Requests & What Happens Next
Town Meeting 101: What Every Blackstone Voter Needs to Know Before May 27
It is important to note that Millville had their Annual Town Meeting on May 12 and they approved the warrant articles that impact both towns due to the school regional agreements. For more information, check out: Key Takeaways from Millville’s 2025 Town Meeting: Budget, Bylaws, and Big Debates
“I’m not sure I’ll understand what’s going on…”
You don’t have to be an expert to participate. There are town officials and moderators there to explain what’s being voted on.
If something seems confusing or needs more discussion for budget line items, anyone in the room can shout “HOLD!” That item will be paused and revisited with more explanation and open discussion.
Chances are, someone else will do this for the exact thing you’re wondering about.
This is your town. Your voice matters here.
“I see all the chatter online… will people actually speak up?”
Yes, they will. You’ve probably seen passionate discussions on Facebook or heard grumbles in line at Betty’s’. Town Meeting is where those opinions come to life.
People will speak. People will debate. People will vote.
The only question is: will you be one of them?
Let’s be real—venting on Facebook won’t change anything.
Yes, the online chatter might feel good in the moment, but it’s not where decisions are made. Real change happens in person. If you want your voice to count, it takes more than a comment thread—it takes showing up, engaging in real dialogue, and voting.
This is where your voice makes an impact.
Remember, what’s proposed isn’t set in stone. During the meeting, community members can raise questions, express concerns, or suggest changes. These discussions can lead to adjustments in proposals, demonstrating the power of active participation.
Don’t assume someone else will vote for what you want.
Because they might not.
This is where your voice actually makes an impact.
If you care about your taxes, your schools, your roads, your town services, your community groups—this is the night to care out loud.
Even if it’s your first time.
Even if you don’t want to speak.
Even if you’re just curious.
SHOW UP. LISTEN. VOTE at the Blackstone Annual Town Meeting.
That’s all it takes.
🗳️ Blackstone Annual Town Meeting
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
📍 Location: BMR High School
⏰ Time: Starts at 7PM with the Special Town Meeting and continues to the Annual Town Meeting at 7:30PM
💡 Bring your questions, bring a neighbor, and bring your voice.
⚠️ Plan to stay a while—Town Meetings often run long. It’s a big night with big decisions, so come prepared to listen, learn, and make your vote count.
Let’s not leave the future of Blackstone to 1.65% of the town again.
