Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship
Even before Election Day on Nov. 5, voting has already begun in South Burlington. The city clerk’s office receives voted ballots through the mail and from its secure ballot drop-boxes at the front and rear of City Hall each day.
“I think South Burlington residents and Vermonters in general should feel really comfortable with the security and integrity of elections,” South Burlington City Clerk Holly Rees said.
With multiple ways to vote this year, it’s easier than ever for voters to cast a ballot. Election officials say they are taking multiple precautions to make sure that the ballot is secure.
The Vermont Secretary of State’s office used a mailing agency to send ballots to state residents starting on Sept. 23. Ballots were set to be received by registered voters before the Oct. 1 issuing deadline outlined in Act 60 by the 2021 Vermont General Assembly.
“I think the idea behind getting ballots to each of the voters is to encourage people to vote,” Rees said. “If we’re removing barriers of having to get to the polls, perhaps more people would vote.”
Prepaid postage is included, and ballots can be tracked through the state’s MyVoterPage website for the entirety of the voting process, from the time they were sent out to the moment they’re officially counted by a local board of civil authority.
The South Burlington Board of Civil Authority is made up of elected justices of the peace, city council members and the city clerk. The board and city clerk work together throughout the election process to keep voter checklists and tabulating machines up to date and to support polling locations on Election Day.
The board meets as needed and for a pre-election meeting where regulations and standards are reviewed. Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings are available via the city website.
“Ballots are always processed with at least two BCA members there, and really only done on one preprocessing day, which is open to the public, or on Election Night, and that is an open process as well,” Rees said.
Voters who are choosing to vote in-person at one of South Burlington’s five polling locations are encouraged to bring their ballots to the polls along with them.
Polls will have a limited ballot surplus from the Secretary of State’s office. Registered voters who were mailed a ballot but don’t bring it to the polls will be asked to sign an affidavit.
Rees, former director of the South Burlington Recreation and Parks Department, said she loves seeing people come out to vote.
“There’s a different energy when people feel empowered to make their choice at the polls,” Rees said. “There’s a place for everybody, whether that means that you know your place is voting, or your place is volunteering, or your place is making sure your neighbors vote as well as your friends.”