Secretary of State Jim Condos encourages Vermonters to return their mail ballots now

On Oct. 21, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos encouraged Vermont voters to make their early voting plan, and to return their voted ballot using the safe, secure early voting option of their choice.

“While voting during the Covid-19 health crisis may feel different from how many of us are used to voting, we have ensured that no matter how you choose to vote this election season, you can do so safely and securely,” said Condos. “I encourage all Vermont voters who have not already voted to return their ballots as soon as they feel comfortable, to ensure their voice is heard in our democratic process.”

Vermont voters who have not already returned their voted ballot have a number of secure return options, including mailing their ballot to the Town Clerk using the pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope included in their ballot package. If returning by mail, voters are encouraged to place their voted ballots in the mail no later than Oct. 24.

The voter must follow all instructions in the ballot package, including placing their voted ballot in the ‘voted ballot’ envelope, completing the certificate on the envelope’s front, and signing the certificate.

Voters can also bring their ballots directly to their Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours on any day the Clerk’s office is open before Election Day, November 3rd, or deposit their ballot in a secure drop box if one is available. Voters are encouraged to check with their Town Clerk directly on hours, drop box availability and any applicable visitation procedures. A listing of towns with drop boxes is available on the Secretary of State’s website.

Voters who have not already voted early can vote in person at the polls on Election Day, and are encouraged to bring the ballots they were mailed to the polls with them. If a voter does not have the ballot they were mailed and has not already voted they can still vote.

“I want to thank Vermont voters for embracing early voting using the safe voting measures we have put in place to preserve voting rights and protect our communities during these challenging times,” said Condos. “Our democracy is stronger when we all participate.”

As of the end of the day on Oct. 20, 166,037 Vermonters have returned their voted ballots early. That is more than 50% of the total voter participation in the 2016 General Election, which was 320,467.