Paper ballots counted by hand are also used. Each method described above assumes the traditional Town Meeting format that involves debate and discussion before voting. In many Vermont communities, the Australian ballot is used. In this method, a standard ballot is printed and voters may come in at any time during voting hours to cast their ballot. In this method, there is no debate and discussion, or if so it does not usually occur the day of the vote.
Australian ballots bring up some questions about the purpose of Town Meeting Day.
The benefit of this method is that it takes less time and therefore may make it easier for citizens to vote. However, this method removes the debate and discussion element that is the backbone of the Town Meeting. Experts would debate the importance of taking away the opportunity to share ideas and opinions before voting on the issues. Ballots are tallied by hand count or optical scanners. In either case, Vermont has a low incidence of spoiled ballots.