PUTNEY — It seems that elections come earlier and earlier in Vermont. This year, we will have a primary on Aug. 26.
The primary is a party function, allowing the major parties - in Vermont, that means Republican, Democrat, Progressive, and Liberty Union - to determine their respective candidates.
Voters do not register for a particular party, so the primary is open. When voting, you will be given four ballots, you will use one, and then you will discard the other three. No one will know which party's primary you voted in.
Primary elections are important. You can register for the primary any time before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20 (your town clerk is required to be open that day). If you have moved, you must register in your new town.
Although the primary is Tuesday, Aug. 26, the ballots are at the town clerks' offices now. You can call and request an early ballot, or you can just go in and vote - you do not have to wait until Election Day. The reason ballots are prepared so early is that the federal government requires that they be mailed to overseas voters 45 days before any election.
Even if you didn't vote in the primary, you can still register until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to vote in the Tuesday, Nov. 4 general election.
Who can register to vote? Anyone who resides in Vermont.
If this is your primary residence, you can vote. If you are homeless, your address is wherever you lay your head at night. If you are a convicted felon, you are still a citizen and you can vote. If you are a college student here in Vermont, you can vote. If you are away for an extended time but maintain your residence and plan to return, you can vote.
In Vermont, we believe that voting is an important right that should be given to all residents. The Senate Government Committee, which I chair, is the committee that is concerned with elections. It works hard to ensure that everyone's voice is heard.
Voting is both a right and a responsibility. Many people have fought very hard for the right to vote. Don't take it for granted.
While it might seem that just one vote doesn't matter, it does. Don't let decisions be made by others - make sure your voice is among them.
Vote on (or before) Aug. 26, and on (or before) Nov. 4.