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Vermont · How-To Guide

How do I register to vote or check my registration?

City or Town Clerk (municipal level - each of Vermont's approximately 246 cities and towns) / Vermont Secretary of State, Elections Division (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, Vermont resident, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (17-year-olds may pre-register); NOT found mentally incompetent by court (voting-specific determination); CRIMINAL RECORD: does NOT affect eligibility - Vermont allows voting from prison
  2. Choose your registration method:
  3. ONLINE: mvregister.sec.state.vt.us - Vermont's online voter registration portal; requires Vermont driver's license/permit number or non-driver ID number; recommended to register by the Friday before Election Day for name to appear on rolls Election Day, though technically can register at the polls
  4. BY MAIL: Download Vermont voter registration form ("Application for Addition to the Checklist") from sos.vermont.gov/elections; complete, sign; submit to your TOWN or CITY CLERK; no advance deadline - can be submitted any time
  5. IN PERSON - Town/City Clerk's Office: any time including Election Day during polling hours
  6. AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION: Vermont has automatic voter registration through the DMV; when applying for a license or changing your address, information sent to Secretary of State unless you opt out
  7. ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION: Vermont allows registration AND voting at the polls on Election Day; go to your polling place; registration is available during polling hours
  8. For Election Day registration: go to your polling location; show two forms of ID (one photo ID + one showing Vermont residence, or driver's license with current address); take the Voter's Oath (self-administered; on the registration form)
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Vermont driver's license/permit number or non-driver ID number (for online); OR last 4 digits of SSN; OR in-person assistance from town Clerk
  • Voter's Oath (on application; self-administered)
Fee
Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NO DEADLINE - Vermont has no voter registration deadline; register any time including Election Day CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: Vermont Voter Portal at mvp.sec.state.vt.us AUTOMATIC MAIL BALLOT: All active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot before each primary and general election; no request needed; ballot must ARRIVE (not just be postmarked) by 8 PM on Election Day; drop boxes available; request to have ballot mailed to alternate address by 1 day before election EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING: Vermont voters may vote early at the town Clerk's office once ballots become available (no later than 45 days before primary/general; 20 days before municipal election); no excuse required; privately mark ballot and return to Clerk NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE: Vermont has no-excuse absentee voting; all registered voters receive mail ballots automatically ONLINE OPTION: mvregister.sec.state.vt.us (registration); mvp.sec.state.vt.us (status check); sos.vermont.gov/elections WHERE TO GO: Online; town or city Clerk's office; Vermont DMV (automatic registration); any Vermont polling place on Election Day
Online Option
mvregister.sec.state.vt.us (registration); mvp.sec.state.vt.us (status check); sos.vermont.gov/elections
Where to Go
Online; town or city Clerk's office; Vermont DMV (automatic registration); any Vermont polling place on Election Day
Vermont Notes

Important state-specific details

  • NO VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Vermont allows registration any time including Election Day; one of only a handful of states.
  • AUTOMATIC MAIL BALLOTS: All registered voters receive ballots automatically; no application required; must ARRIVE by 8 PM Election Day.
  • FELONY/INCARCERATION VOTING RIGHTS: Vermont is one of only 2 states (with Maine) where EVERYONE retains voting rights regardless of criminal conviction and regardless of whether currently incarcerated; even someone serving time in prison may vote in Vermont; register to vote in the town where you resided before incarceration.
  • AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION through DMV (opt-out system).
  • PRE-REGISTRATION at age 17 (can vote in primary at 17 if will be 18 for the general election); Brattleboro allows 16-year-olds to vote in local elections.
  • NO PHOTO ID REQUIRED to vote in most cases (Vermont does not have a general photo ID requirement for in-person voting; first-time mail voters who registered by mail must include ID copy with ballot or have DMV/SSN verified).
  • Vermont Voter Portal (mvp.sec.state.vt.us): check registration, ballot status, polling location.
  • Polls open 5 AM - 7 PM on Election Day (hours vary slightly by town).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Vermont Secretary of State, Elections Division - sos.vermont.gov/elections | (802) 828-2363; Vermont Voter Portal: mvp.sec.state.vt.us; City/Town Clerk (varies by municipality)