Secretary Condos Issues Directive on Allowable 2021 Annual Meeting Election Procedures

January 20 2021

Montpelier, VT – Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos issued his directive on permitted processes for local elections in 2021, giving municipalities the flexibility and safe voting options they need to hold Annual Meeting and other local elections safely.

“No Vermonter should have to choose between protecting their health, and their right to vote,” said Secretary Condos. “Whether that’s for President, or for a local municipal budget. The empowerments in this directive will give local officials tools and resources for municipalities to decide how to best manage a safe elections process that fits their needs.”

The directive can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. The legislature has authorized municipalities to delay Annual Meeting until a time in 2021 when it can be held in a safer manner or environment, the proactive mailing of ballots to all voters on the municipal checklist, and conversion of a floor meeting to use of an Australian ballot. The Secretary’s directive contains additional measures that can be employed to increase safety and reduce exposure during the conduct of a local election.

The directive was issued pursuant to the authority granted in H.48 (2021), passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor on January 19^th, 2021.

The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee, at the request of the Governor and Secretary Condos, has also made $2 million in Federal CARES Act funding available to municipalities to help pay for the costs of conducting annual meetings in a different manner than normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A memo from Secretary Condos detailing eligible costs for reimbursement can be found on the Secretary of State’s website, and has been distributed to Vermont’s Town and City Clerks and school district officials.

“COVID-19 continues to challenge our state and communities,” said Secretary Condos. “These permitted procedures and available funding will help ensure that our local democracy remains resilient during these trying times. Remember: your vote is your vote!”