Harwich officials are moving to lock in a more predictable schedule for the 2026 election season after feedback suggested the most recent candidates forum occurred too late for some voters. During a Wednesday afternoon meeting, the committee tasked with voter engagement began mapping out three potential dates in April to coordinate with the League of Women Voters, aiming to avoid the logistical friction that has previously limited candidate participation.

The committee highlighted the success of the recent forum, which drew approximately 40 attendees, but noted that better advance planning is required. My hope is we could schedule far enough in advance to present it as 'this is when it's happening' rather than trying to manage everyone's schedules, the Chair said, suggesting that firming up the calendar now would streamline coordination with the League’s volunteers, who must be recruited from outside Harwich to ensure neutrality.

Joy cautioned that the process remains beholden to several external factors beyond the committee's control. There are a lot of logistical constraints, she explained. It's difficult to plan when we don't know which races will be contested because of the Town Clerk's deadlines. We also have to work around the Griffin Room schedule. To address these hurdles, the committee agreed to tentatively block off time windows shortly after the deadline for candidates to return their papers, rather than waiting for contested races to be finalized.

The group is also eyeing new ways to educate residents on complex Town Meeting warrants, potentially mimicking a backstage preview format used in neighboring Chatham. However, the Chair expressed concern regarding the town's current administrative transition, noting that much of the warrant information originates from the Town Administrator’s office. The bulk of that information comes from the Town Administrator, and as we know, that's in flux, the Chair said. I don't know if we can rely on this being a super organized year. This uncertainty follows the town's recent efforts to stabilize leadership through the appointment of interim management.

Amy inquired about the timing of warrant development and how the committee might facilitate earlier public access to information. Is it possible to get the list before it goes to the Select Board? Is that something we want to put out? she asked. Joy noted that while the final warrant is usually in flux until March, general educational sessions could start earlier in the winter to explain how to develop and support articles. Member Emily advocated for continuing the committee's outreach to other town officials to increase transparency, stating, It's probably something we could continue to do and maybe reach out to other chairs again, referring to a series of interviews with committee leaders conducted earlier this year.

The committee also updated its operational records, correcting a clerical error regarding previous meeting dates. Motion Made by A. Member to approve the minutes for March 19, 2025, as amended. Motion Passed (3-0-1). Looking ahead to the fall, the group decided to move to a 4:30 p.m. start time on the third Wednesday of each month, with the next session scheduled for September 17. A planned reorganization of committee leadership was tabled until that meeting to ensure a full quorum is present.