Today, the Vermont Senate passed S29, which allows all eligible Vermonters the opportunity to register to vote up until as well as on Election Day. The current law has a registration deadline of the Wednesday before the election. Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos released the following response: "I am extremely grateful to the Senate for taking up and passing Election Day Voter Registration with overwhelming support. The Senate’s endorsement, shown by the floor vote, indicates that they appreciate that this is truly a voter rights issue.
"Every year, my Elections Division receives phone calls from citizens who missed the deadline but are otherwise completely eligible to vote. I am sure that there are many Town Offices that have received similar calls. Right now my office has no reasonable answer for these Vermonters as to why the law does not allow them to register up until and on Election Day.
"This last election cycle, many members of the press, concerned constituents, and even candidates asked me how we can positively affect voter turnout in Vermont: if you want to effect voter turnout, we can encourage Vermonters simply by granting them access. That is what S29 does.
"Vermonters are busy people who, while civically minded, have many other obligations. Whether someone is moving the week before the election, has just turned eighteen, or simply forgot to register because life is busy, they should be encouraged to participate; they should not be denied the opportunity to vote."