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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Vermont in 2012:
Do I need ID to vote?
No. You do not need to bring an ID to vote in Vermont.
Where do I vote?
For information on polling locations, contact your town clerk or go to: http://vermontelections.org/elections1/locatepolling.html.
REGISTRATION
Do I need ID to register?
Yes. You must include your Vermont driver's license number on the form. If you do not have a Vermont driver's license number or if your license is suspended, include the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you are registering to vote for the first time in Vermont by mail, you must include a photocopy of an acceptable form of ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or passport);
- Copy of a current utility bill;
- Copy of a current bank statement; or
- Copy of another government document.
How do I register to vote?
Voter registration forms are called "Applications for Addition to the Checklist." You will be given an opportunity to register to vote when you register your car, get a driver's license or renew your registration or license. You also can get Applications for Addition to the Checklist from your town clerk, by calling 1-800-439-VOTE or by downloading one here: http://vermontelections.org/elections1/VTVoterApp.pdf.
The Vermont Voter's Oath
If this is your first time voting in Vermont be sure to take the Voter's Oath. The oath can be administered by a town clerk, justice of the peace, notary public, commissioned military officer, any person older than 18 or by yourself. Once it is completed you must submit the form to the town or city clerk where you reside.
If you do not take oaths, you may take it as an affirmation. The person who administered the oath, or you, if you are attesting for yourself that you have taken the oath, must date and sign the attestation in the box on the application form. You must be 18 years old to take the voter's oath. If you are not yet18, you can file your application without taking the oath, and take the oath at the polling place on Election Day. However, if you intend to request an early or absentee ballot, you must take the oath before voting by early or absentee ballot.
What is the deadline to register?
Once you are registered to vote you do not need to re-register unless you move to a new town. To be eligible to vote in a particular election, your Application for Addition to the Checklist must be received by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding the day of the election. The town and city clerks' offices must be open at least from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on this Wednesday. If you apply through the Department of Motor Vehicles or another voter registration agency, your application must be postmarked or accepted before the Wednesday preceding the election. The last day to register to vote for the general election is Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012.
ABSENTEE VOTING/VOTING EARLY
Who can vote absentee or early?
There are no restrictions on absentee or early voting in Vermont.
When does early voting start?
A voter may vote at the town clerk's office in person any time 45 days before a primary or general election or 20 days before a municipal election.
Can I vote by mail?
Yes. Any voter can request that the town clerk mail him or her an early voter absentee ballot. This ballot will arrive with a return envelope so the ballot, once voted, can be returned to the clerk so it can be counted on Election Day. The clerk must receive the ballot by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted. A ballot can be requested any time before an election. Clerks will mail absentee ballots within the 45 days prior to the election.
What if I'm sick on Election Day?
If you are sick or disabled, a ballot can be delivered to your home on Election Day. You may request an absentee ballot up until 5 p.m. on the day before
the election. Two justices of the peace (of different parties) will deliver a ballot to you, and then will take the ballot back to the polling place so it can be placed
in the ballot box and counted (on Election Day or the eight days preceding the election).
Can I hand-deliver my ballot?
Yes. A voter may pick up a ballot at the town clerk's office at any time beginning 45 days prior to the general or primary election. A voted early voter absentee ballot, in a sealed envelope, can be hand-delivered to the clerk on Election Day or prior to Election Day. The ballot can be returned to the clerk or delivered to the polling place by the voter or any
person the voter authorizes to return the ballot for him or her. A person can only pick up his or her own ballot from the clerk's office.
For more information on voting, contact the Elections Division, Office of the Secretary of State of Vermont at 1-800-439-8683 or visit: http://vermont-elections.org/soshome.htm.