Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos Issues Statement on National Voter Registration Day

September 22 2020

Montpelier, VT – Secretary of State Jim Condos has issued the following statement on National Voter Registration Day.

“Today is National Voter Registration Day – a day we use as a reminder to encourage eligible Americans across the country to register to vote so that we can collectively be prepared to participate in our democratic process, from local budget elections all the way up to choosing the next leader of this country.

Unfortunately, for too many Americans, discriminatory voter laws designed to restrict access to the ballot box have made the work of National Voter Registration Day even more important. Fortunately, in Vermont we have taken a different approach.

Automatic voter registration through our partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles has helped ensure that the vast majority of eligible Vermonters are registered to vote, while improving the quality and accuracy of our voter checklist. Our easy online voter registration is accessible and secure. Same day voter registration, where a voter can register any day leading up to, and on, Election Day, helps ensure that no eligible voter will be denied their right to vote.

We can’t rest on our laurels here in Vermont: my goal is 100% voter registration for every Vermonter who wants to be registered to vote. If you, the reader, aren’t registered yet, what are you waiting for? Contact your Town or City Clerk, or register online at https://olvr.vermont.gov. It only takes a few minutes!

Whether you’re a first-time voter this year, or have been voting for decades, this election is like no other we have experienced in recent history. The COVID-19 health crisis has challenged so many aspects of our society, and our elections are not immune.

Fortunately, we’ve taken the steps necessary to ensure safe, secure voting options in Vermont. Here’s what you need to know:

All active registered voters are being mailed a ballot, which they should receive sometime in late September or early October. The mailing process is already underway.

When you get your ballot, how you choose to vote and return it is up to you. The important part is that you follow the included instructions with your ballot: put your voted ballot in the ‘voted ballot’ envelope, completely fill out the certificate on the front of that envelope, and take special care to sign and date it. Your ballot must be returned in the signed and complete certificate envelope for it to be counted.

You can mail your ballot back to your Town Clerk using the included mailing envelope (postage is prepaid), bring your ballot to your Clerks office directly, or bring your ballot to the polls with you on Election Day.

If you don’t receive a ballot by October 7^th, or have any other questions, I encourage you to contact your Town Clerk.

However you vote, on this National Voter Registration Day I want to thank you for being a voter. If you’re one of the few Vermonters not registered, use today as an opportunity to do so. Our democracy is stronger when we all participate.

Your VOTE is Your VOICE!”