Theresa Golub
Voting is an opportunity to exercise your voice, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Below is information to help you exercise your right to vote.
In Montpelier, in addition to voting for the next president, you have a chance to elect several local and state offices.
- U.S. Senator
- Representative to Congress
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- State Treasurer
- Secretary of State
- Auditor of Accounts
- Attorney General
- State Senator
- State Representative
- High Bailiff
- Justice of the Peace
Before voting, check to see if you are eligible. To vote in the 2024 presidential election, you must be a U.S. citizen who is 18 years old by election day (Nov. 5).
To vote in Vermont, you must be a resident of the state and live in the precinct in which you want to vote. If you are a first time voter, don’t forget to take the Voter’s Oath, which can be self administered or taken in the polling place.
While Montpelier has non-citizen voting, non-citizens can only vote in local elections. The upcoming election is a state and national one, so only citizens can vote on Nov. 5.
Eligible persons can register to vote any day up to and including the day of the election. Registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the city clerk’s office any day preceding the election as well as during polling hours on election day.
First-time voters should come prepared with a valid form of ID, the last four digits of their Social Security Number, or a valid passport. Vermont does not require any forms of identification for returning voters. Once registered to vote, there is no need to re-register unless you move to a new town. After having confirmed you are eligible to vote, decide your preference; voters in Vermont can cast their ballots by mail or in person.
And there’s no need to request a ballot ahead of time; this fall, the state of Vermont is mailing ballots to all registered voters. Ballots should arrive between Sept. 23 and Oct.1.
Once you have filled out the ballot, either return it in person or by mail it to the city clerk’s office located at Montpelier City Hall. All ballots must be returned to the city clerk’s office the day before the election, or to the polling place before 7 p.m. the day of the election.
Other important dates and deadlines include:
- Early voting: Sept. 21 through Nov. 4.
- Last day to request an absentee ballot: Nov. 4.
- Deadline for absentee ballot to be received by mail: Monday, Nov. 4.
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot in person: Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
In-person voting in Montpelier takes place Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m in City Hall, 39 Main Street. For further questions regarding the upcoming election, please reach out to City Clerk John Odum.
Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship on assignment for The Bridge.
