VTDigger’s 2022 Election Guide now includes a video showing how to complete an early or absentee primary ballot.
Vermont’s primary election is Aug. 9, but tens of thousands of voters have already begun the voting process by requesting a primary ballot. Unlike the November general election, primary ballots are not automatically mailed to voters. Instead, voters must request them.
While the Secretary of State’s office no longer recommends requesting a ballot by mail, you can still pick one up from your town clerk’s office. And if you’ve already requested or received your ballot, you should plan on filling it out soon. Here’s how.
—When you receive your ballot envelope, you’ll see three different ballots inside, each for a different party. Select the ballot for the party you wish to vote for. You can only vote for one party.
—Mark your selections on your chosen ballot using only black pen or pencil. Remember, some of the ballots have backsides.
—When you’re finished, put the ballot you completed in the envelope marked “Voted Ballot.”
—Then, fill out the form on the same envelope. Write your name, your town and your signature. Seal the envelope and put it inside the return envelope addressed to your town clerk.
—Now, make sure to put your unused ballots in the “Unused Ballots” envelope. This is important: Your vote will not count if you don’t return the unused ballots.
—Seal the envelope and place it in the return envelope. Seal the return envelope, write your return address on the top, and now you’re ready to send it back!
You can mail your ballot back to your town clerk or drop it off at the clerk’s office by close of business on Aug. 8. If you’re mailing your ballot, make sure to allow at least one week for delivery. If you’re voting from out of state or overseas, allow even more time for your ballot to get through the mail.
You can also bring your completed ballot to your polling place during in-person voting on Aug. 9. Polls close that day at 7 p.m.
VTDigger’s 2022 Election Guide also includes a legislative district lookup tool; videos and recaps from the 2022 Digger Debate series; a database of the latest available campaign finance data and more.
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