Awards

The office of the Secretary of State administers three classifications of awards:

National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award

The Medallion Award is a program established by the National Association of Secretaries of State in 2001 to honor individuals, groups, or organizations with an established record of promoting the goals of NASS in one or more of the following areas: improving elections, with special emphasis on voter education and increasing voter participation; civic education, including the teaching, promotion, and study of this subject; and service to state government—specifically, as it relates to improving democracy in the state.

Vermont Secretary of State’s Enduring Democracy Award

The Vermont Secretary of State Enduring Democracy Award honors individuals and organizations that have shown an outstanding commitment to promoting democracy in Vermont.

Public Service Awards

Every five years, the Vermont Public Service Award program honors individuals who have served as elected or appointed officials or as fire and rescue workers. Awards are granted for 20 or more years of service. Since the program was first established in 1999, hundreds of Vermonters have been honored for their public service. It is our hope that by recognizing and honoring the vital role public servants play in our cities and towns, the Vermont Public Service Award program will encourage greater civic engagement in the broader community.

Vermont’s local officials run our elections, set the grand list, determine appeals and keep our roads in good repair and passable through all seasons. They ensure our children are properly educated, they plan for and regulate growth in our communities and they are there for us in times of emergency. Vermont’s local officials serve mostly as volunteers. Their commitment to public service with little to no compensation and no consideration for personal advancement is a precious gift, a gift we should celebrate. We couldn’t buy such dedication or service at any price. Vermont’s local governments work because good people are willing to give of their most precious commodity, their free time, to ensure state and local government works for all Vermonters.

The next Public Service Award recipients will be recognized in 2021.