The Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday to adopt a policy that will allow member of boards and committees in Wareham to attend meetings remotely.

Members of the various boards and committees in town to will be able to attend meetings via phone, video chat or other devices, so long as they are "clear and audible," if they are physically unable to attend the meeting.

The board discussed the idea at a July meeting and voted to approve it at that time. The Selectmen approved the language of the policy on Tuesday after being assured by Town Attorney Richard Bowen that it is in line with Mass. General Law.

The policy "takes into account a lot of things people have brought up," said Selectman Alan Slavin.

In order to vote, members of boards and committees will have to have a quorum physically present at the meeting. In addition, whether or not a board or committee decides to take advantage of the policy is at the discretion of its respective chair.

"It's not mandatory," said Slavin. "It's not something that automatically happens."

Three Selectmen voted in favor of the policy on Tuesday, with Selectman Patrick Tropeano voting in the negative. In July, Tropeano also voted against creating the policy. Selectman Steve Holmes was absent on Tuesday.