Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, and Winooski Mayor Kristine Lott Collaborate on Voting Access PSA

September 06 2024

Montpelier, VT - Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, in collaboration with Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Winooski Mayor Kristine Lott, released a PSA video today about voting access in Vermont.

The three leaders created a video, with a shorter version shared on social media and a longer version posted on YouTube, that explains and reinforces Vermonters’ right to register and vote in the upcoming November 5^th General Election. The YouTube video has subtitles accessible in many languages: viewers can click CC > Settings > Auto-translate for language options.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen efforts around the country - and in our communities - to discourage people from voting, with organized groups canvassing primarily BIPOC community members door-to-door and on the street to dissuade them from voting through a mix of disinformation and intimidation,” said Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “There is no place for this activity in our communities. In addition to partnering with law enforcement and municipalities, we wanted to spread the message loud and clear: do not let anyone cast doubt on your right to register and vote in Vermont.”

"I am grateful to have joined Secretary Copeland Hanzas and Mayor Lott in this initiative to help Vermont residents understand their voting rights" stated Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. "Information sharing and language access are key to ensuring equitable access to our elections, and empowering residents to participate in our democracy."

“Access to voting is an essential right for Winooski residents,” said Winooski Mayor Kristine Lott. “Our community cares deeply about local, state, and federal issues and is dedicated to protecting our voters. Elected officials and staff are here to help with anything from voting resources to navigating the election process. I am proud to join Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak during this initiative and thank them for their continued support and leadership."

The YouTube video can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA51-hPIWA0

Voters can check their registration status and register to vote here: https://mvp.vermont.gov

Anyone who is approached by someone questioning their residency/voter registration status is encouraged to report this to their town clerk and local police department.