How to vote in Vermont

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Summary

Vermont allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Vermont offers early voting.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Vermont you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Vermont
  • be 18 years of age on or before Election Day
  • attest that you have taken or affirmed the Voter's Oath when registering to vote for the first time: “You solemnly swear or affirm that whenever you give your vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any person.”

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Vermont's site.

Can I vote in-person absentee?

  • Yes, Vermont does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

If you've voted in Vermont before, or if you registered for the first time in person at your clerk’s office, you do not need to show ID to vote.

If you're a first-time voter in the municipality who registered by mail or online, and didn't provide ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
  • valid photo ID
  • copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document that shows your current name and address

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may register in person at the polls and will simply need to provide your VT driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Vermont’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Vermont does offer early voting, which in Vermont is called in-person absentee voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

      What do I need to bring?

      If you've voted in Vermont before, or if you registered for the first time in person at your clerk’s office, you do not need to show ID to vote.

      If you're a first-time voter in the municipality who registered by mail or online, and didn't provide ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
      • valid photo ID
      • copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document that shows your current name and address

      Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may register in person at the polls and will simply need to provide your VT driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

      How do I vote by mail?

      In Vermont, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.

      What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

      If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

      How do I return my ballot?

      What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

      What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

      How can I check the status of my ballot?

      You can check the status of your ballot on Vermont’s site.

      Can I register to vote on Election Day?

      Vermont does offer registration on Election Day. In Vermont, you may register to vote on any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration is available online, by mail, at your town or city clerk's office before the election, and during polling hours on Election Day.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      View your sample ballot on the Vermont Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      How do I get help registering to vote?

      TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!

      How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

      Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
      1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
      2. Send the application to your local election office.
      3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
      4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
      5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
      If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
      • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
      • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
      The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Vermont. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

      How can I check my voter registration status?

      You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Vermont's voter registration lookup tool.

      How do I contact my state election office?

      Which election office should I contact?

      • In Vermont, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
      • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Vermont. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

      How do I contact my local election office?

      Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.