You need to understand how the election works. This is not hidden paper ballot election. Rather, like in many small New England towns, you simply raise your hand.
The issue was a contentious one, an issue that has divided the town for a long time. Heated arguments were made for awhile and then the vote occurred. After the winning side was announced many people left the meeting. A voting irregularity was pointed out (and procedurally, it was done incorrectly, and a second ballot was (incorrectly) called for.) Now mind, many people on both sides of the issue had left. The moderator ran the vote again and the answer was unchanged. Note how error prone the entire process is.
Curiously, based on the verbal arguments, the issue could have passed with some fairly minor wording changes. (I was opposed to its passing so obviously I didn't point this out.) The same issue is not on a town warrant for this year. Rather, the selectman will be asking the townspeople if they want a paper ballot election to look into the issue. I'm a little surprised that the proponents didn't resubmit the question and just make sure they had their supports show up.
I'll post this now and get into the issue next.
Paul