Today, the Vermont House 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 statement:
"I am very grateful to the House (and specifically to Speaker Shap Smith, Reps. Donna Sweaney, Linda Martin, and Jill Krowinski) for bringing Senate passed S.29 forward and passing Election Day Voter Registration. The House’s endorsement indicates that they appreciate that this is simply 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 how we can positively affect voter turnout in Vermont: if you want to affect voter turnout, we can encourage Vermonters simply by granting them access to one of democracy’s most basic and precious rights. That is what S.29 does.
"Vermonters are busy people who, while civically minded, have many other family and work 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."