Among the most anticipated parts of our move to New England was the opportunity to participate in one of the region’s iconic town meetings. They have been a central part of life for New englanders since the 17th century, a moment when the residents of a town or community come together to debate and resolve in a public forum issues involving budgets, governmental policies and occasionally some unrelated matters. Town meetings have been observed and celebrated for centuries, as much a part of New England as snow, maple syrup and the Red Sox, and I am eager to join in this venerable tradition.

But first, it turns out, I had to figure out what SB 2 is and then vote against it, which I did earlier this week.

SB (Senate Bill) 2 was a plan approved by the New Hampshire legislature nearly 20 years ago which would, in effect, do away with town meeting as we’ve come to know them. It was devised as a “positive:” a way to get more people involved in the democratic process (too few people seem to have the time or commitment to attend lengthy town meetings) and ensure ballot access for everyone. But what has happened is that by substituting ballots for debate, the democratic process has been circumvented, and town meetings have become largely a rubber stamp for what has already been approved in earlier, small-group sessions. At least that’s my view.

A number of New Hampshire communities have approved SB 2, though a majority retain the traditional town meeting format. And apparently some of those municipalities that earlier endorsed SB 2 have changed their minds, finding SB 2 now restrictive and even, in some ways. anti-democratic. In my community, there have been outspoken voices against SB 2, and while the results of the vote on it haven’t been announced, unofficial sources say it was defeated.

And assuming that’s the case, I’m pleased. I plan to go to my town meeting, my first one, this Saturday. I intend to listen carefully, to tolerate periods of boredom, and to participate with full commitment and the understanding that I am carrying on in a tradition I heartily endorse and am thrilled to be part of. Even if I have to end a sentence with a preposition.