- Home
- Government
- Town Meeting Information
Town Meeting Information
Town Meeting Central is your one-stop source for everything you need to know about the upcoming Town Meeting — articles, summaries, presentations, and ways to get involved.
The 2026 Annual/Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 11 at 6 PM in the Nauset Middle School Gym. Staff will be available beginning at 4 PM on Town Meeting Day at Nauset Middle School to answer questions before the meeting starts.
Town Meeting will be streamed live on Channel 1072 and on the website live stream.
As articles are finalized and additional information becomes available, this page will be updated with resources, presentations, and explanations to help voters understand each proposal before Town Meeting.
Orleans residents are encouraged to check back regularly, sign up for Town News and Notices, and follow Town Talk for updates.
Town Meeting is a long-held tradition in New England, serving as a form of direct democratic rule that empowers residents to engage directly in decisions related to municipal policies, budgets, and community initiatives. In Orleans, as in other Cape Cod communities, this practice dates back to the early 17th century, when the first gatherings were held by Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony. These meetings were vital for local governance, allowing citizens to discuss and decide on matters far removed from centralized authority. In Orleans, Town Meetings remain a hallmark of civic engagement, providing every resident with an equal voice and vote - often hailed as the "truest form of democracy."
The legislative powers of the Town shall be exercised by a Town Meeting open to all registered voters of the town. The quorum necessary for the conduct of Town Meeting business shall be two hundred (200) of the current registered voters of the Town.