Once you turn 18, you have all kinds of new rights and responsibilities, some good (signing yourself out of school) and some not so good (filing your own taxes).

One of the major rites of passage now that you are a legal adult is the ability to vote. The process can seem a little overwhelming, however. Here is some information to get you started.

Registering to vote

You can only register in one town, and its up to you to choose your “principal dwelling place.” So, if you grew up in Bennington but are going to live in Burlington – or anywhere, for that matter – the town you choose to vote in is up to you.

First, fill out a voter registration form, called an Application for Addition to the Checklist. You can download one at vermont-elections.org/elections1/registertovote.html, or get one at your Town Hall. Make sure you include your driver’s license number. If you don’t have a license, or it’s suspended, put the last four digits of your social security number.

Once you fill it out, bring the application to your town clerk. The clerk will look it over, and notify you in writing whether you have been approved. If you’re approved, they’ll add you to the list, and you are a registered voter. Make sure to keep a copy of your application. You must register by the Wednesday before the election you want to vote in.

If you are registering for the first time, you have to take the Voter’s Oath. The oath can be given by anyone over the age of 18, and you can even administer it to yourself.

If you are registering by mail, you’ll need to include a copy of some form of ID, such a copy of your license, a current bank statement, utility bill, or government document with your name and Vermont address.

You can also register before you turn 18, as long as your birthday is before the election.

Absentee voting

If you are going to be away from your town on Election Day, you can vote by absentee ballot. You can request an application for an absentee ballot when you register to vote, or you can download one.

Send your ballot back to the town clerk, and it will be counted on Election Day. The ballot must get to the town clerk’s office by the day before the vote.

You may also vote early in person, starting 30 days before a primary OR general election.

The next primary election for state offices will be held Sept. 14, 2010, and the general election is set for Nov. 2, 2010.

If you have questions, go to vermont-elections.org/elections1/voters.html, or contact your town clerk. 

 

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