The Salem Deliberative Session is on the horizon, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This event will take place at Salem High School, located at 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079. This session presents a significant opportunity for voters to become informed about and contribute to the Town warrant articles, as well as the proposed budget, prior to the commencement of voting in March.
The deadline for voter registration is February 28, 2026. Voters have the option to register on election day at their designated polling location. The town elections are scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, and the polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Below are key details that participants should be aware of.
What Is the Deliberative Session?
Salem operates under a Charter that governs how the Town budget is prepared and presented to the voters. The Charter references Salem as Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), New Hampshire’s “official ballot” form of government. Under this system, town business that traditionally took place in one annual meeting is now held in two parts:
- Deliberative Session — a meeting where voters can discuss, ask questions about, and amend warrant articles and the budget
- Official Ballot Voting Day — voters cast ballots for the final approval or rejection of the budget and warrant articles at the polls, with traditional voting available in person or by absentee ballot
This two-step system is designed to allow public discussion before final voting.
Why Attend the Deliberative Session?
During the Deliberative Session, registered voters will have the opportunity to receive explanations regarding each warrant article and the proposed budget. Participants may pose questions to Town staff, elected officials, and committee members, engage in public discussions, and propose motions to amend the warrant articles or the budget. It should be noted that votes conducted during this session are confined solely to amendments. The final approval or rejection of articles and budgets, as well as the election of public officials, will take place on Official Ballot Voting Day.
What Is a Warrant Article?
A warrant article is an individual item of business presented on the Town warrant for consideration by voters. Each article seeks voter approval for specific actions, such as the endorsement of the operating budget, the authorization of capital improvements or bonding, or approval of appropriations. These articles are voted on separately via official ballot. Through warrant articles, residents have the opportunity to directly influence the allocation of public funds and assist in establishing the Town’s priorities.
What Is the Municipal Operating Budget?
The proposed municipal operating budget outlines the Town’s planned expenditures of public funds for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget includes allocations for essential services, public safety and emergency services, road maintenance infrastructure investment, and Town administration. If voters do not approve the proposed budget on ballot day, the Town will adopt a default budget. This default budget is based on the previous year’s budget, adjusted for required debt service and legally mandated costs, while excluding one-time expenditures and funding for positions that were eliminated.
What Happens After the Deliberative Session?
Upon the conclusion of the Deliberative Session, all warrant articles—whether amended or retained in their original form—are finalized and will appear on the Official Ballot precisely as approved during the session. Voters who do not attend the Deliberative Session are permitted to participate on Election Day; however, they will be casting their votes on the final versions of the articles as shaped by the Deliberative Session process.
Who Can Participate?
Any registered voter in Salem may attend the Deliberative Session, participate in discussion, and vote on amendments to warrant articles. While residents who are not registered voters are welcome to attend and observe they are not eligible to vote. Please be informed that participation in the Deliberative session requires individuals to be registered to vote by January 20, 2026.
Special Q&A Session Before Deliberative Session
To help residents prepare, Town Manager Joe Devine will host a Q&A session on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Salem Town Hall (Knightly Meeting Room). This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the budget, warrant articles, and the process.
Why Engagement Matters
The Deliberative Session enhances transparency, facilitates informed decision-making for voters, and enables direct input on how Salem allocates resources in alignment with services and community priorities. Your participation is vital—both at the microphone and in the voting booth.
