If you want to vote in the August party primaries in Vermont or the general election in November, democracy advocates suggest this action plan to be sure of your access to the voting booth:
• Ahead of time, make sure to check your voter registration, confirm your polling place, know your voting hours, and make a plan to vote early if you can — voting by mail is also available to all Vermonters.
• Encourage your friends and family to make a plan like the above as well to make sure they are ready to vote.
• Become a poll worker to help ensure voting runs smoothly and transparently. Those interested should contact their town clerk ahead of time.
• Volunteer as a nonpartisan election observer with organizations that monitor polling places and ballot counting procedures. Those interested should contact their town clerk ahead of time.
• On Election Day, if you witness any voter suppression, report it to the office of the Vermont Secretary of State.
There are also ways older Vermonters, who might not necessarily feel comfortable traveling, can be involved. For example, voters can install appications on their phones or computers to make out-of-state calling easier.
“We’re also looking to train up many more poll watchers and observers,” said Vermont’s U.S. representative, Becca Balint. “And I’ve talked to with lawyers in Vermont who are interested in traveling to battleground states and being official poll watchers. It’s going to take all of us, in all of these different ways.”
This News item was submitted to The Commons.