MONTPELIER — Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced that early voting will officially open on Friday, Sept. 23. Beginning this Friday, any registered voter will be able to request a ballot from their town clerk by phone, mail or online, and cast their vote for the Nov. 8 election. The elections team has already finalized, printed and sent the ballots to town clerks — some towns may even open their early voting before Friday.
“Vermont’s early voting system is one of the many ways our office ensures voting is accessible to eligible Vermont voters,” stated Secretary Condos. “We recognize that many Vermonters have busy schedules and may not be able to take time away from work or their families to vote on Nov. 8. Early voting ensures these people are not left out of the democratic process by giving them more opportunities to cast their vote.”
Vermonters who would like to request a ballot to vote early can contact their local town clerk or visit the Secretary of State’s website at: www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/voters/absentee-voting.aspx.
Ballots are available at City/Town Clerk offices beginning no later than Friday, Sept. 23, until the close of the town clerk’s office the day before the election. Ballots must be completed and returned to the appropriate town clerk by the close of polls on Nov. 8. Only registered voters can request a ballot. Voters who are not yet registered can complete their registration online at: www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/voters/registration.aspx.
Voters must register by Wednesday, Nov. 2, to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 primary. “Voting is a constitutional right and I am proud that our early voting system makes this right more accessible. Whether you vote early or at the polls on Nov. 8, I strongly encourage all Vermonters to get out and exercise their right vote.”