Elections: Voters

Register to Vote

• Are You Eligible to Vote in Vermont?
  
• Get a Voter Registration Form
  
• How to Register to Vote
  
• What Happens Once You Submit Your Application?
  
• Voter Registration Deadlines
  
• Voter Registration FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are you Eligible to Vote in Vermont?

You can vote in Vermont ONLY if you:
1  are a citizen of the United States;
2. Are a resident of Vermont and a resident of the town in which you apply to be added to the checklist;
3. take, or have previously taken, the Voter's Oath (formerly called the "Freeman's Oath"); and
4. are 18 years of age or older (or will be eighteen on or before the day of election).
17 V.S.A. § 2121, 2122
Although some states do allow 17 year olds to vote in the Primary, if you will be 18 by the date of the General Election. Vermont does not allow this. In Vermont, you must be 18 on or before the date of a Primary or General Election to be entitled to vote in that election.

Get a Voter Registration Form

Voter registration forms are called  “Applications for Addition to the Checklist” 

Applications for Addition to the Checklist may be downloaded as a pdf file or  a Word document. You can also get Applications for Addition to the Checklist from your town clerk.  Locate a town clerk near you or call 1-800-439-VOTE.

How to Register to Vote

Complete the Applications for Addition to the Checklist.  You must include your Vermont Driver's License Number on the form. If you do not have a Vermont Driver's License Number or if your license is suspended, include the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.   Be sure to take the Voter’s Oath in front of a notary, and have the notary sign the form if you have not voted in Vermont before.  Once it is completed you must submit the form to the Town or City Clerk in the town or city in which you reside.  You will also be given an opportunity to register to vote when you register your car, get a driver’s license or renew your registration or license.

Voter's Oath 

If you have previously voted in Vermont, you do not need to take the voter's oath again. If not, take the oath in front of a person authorized to administer oaths. (Any notary public, town clerk, justice of the peace, or person authorized to administer oaths in Vermont.) If you do not take oaths, you may take it as an affirmation. Be sure the official completes the certification. You must be 18 years old to take the voter's oath. If the filing deadline is close or you are not yet 18, you can file your application without taking the oath, and take the oath at the polling place on election day. However, if you intend to request an early or absentee ballot, you must take the oath before voting by early or absentee ballot. 

What Happens Once You Submit Your Application?

The Clerk will review your application. If the Clerk finds that you meet the eligibility requirements you will be added to the checklist and become a registered voter. The Clerk will notify you in writing whether or not your application has been approved. If you have not received notification by the week of the election, call your town clerk. If the Clerk questions your eligibility the Board of Civil Authority will review your application. If the Board finds that you are not eligible, the Board must state the reason in writing and give you a chance to be reconsidered. If you are still denied by the Board, you can appeal to a superior or district judge in your county through an informal process (No filing fee or lawyer is required).

Locate a town clerk near you or call 1-800-439-VOTE.

Voter Registration Deadlines

Once you are registered to vote you do not need to re-register unless you move to a new town. In order to be eligible to vote in a particular election your Application for Addition to the Checklist must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding the day of the election. The town and city clerks offices must be open at least from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on this Wednesday. If you apply through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or another voter registration agency, your application must be postmarked or accepted before the Wednesday preceding the election.   For 2008 the voter registration deadlines are as follows:

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - Last Day to Register To Vote for the Presidential Primary Election
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - Last Day to Register To Vote for the Primary Election
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - Last Day to Register To Vote for the General Election