Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Update October 30, 2020

Here’s what’s new in this week’s COVID-19 update from Brattleboro’s Town Manager:

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• The Presidential/General election is coming up on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Due to the pandemic, there is no in-person early voting in Brattleboro. All active registered voters were automatically mailed a ballot. Please make sure to follow the instructions included with your ballot, including signing the certificate envelope and making sure your ballot is inside that envelope, as well as using a black pen or pencil (not a marker). If you have not yet received your ballot, or if you have any questions about your ballot, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 251-8157. 


Helpful Information for the November 3 General Election and Absentee Voting in Brattleboro

Good morning,

Below is information that might be helpful to know for the November 3rd General Election.

Due to the pandemic, there is no in-person early voting in Brattleboro. However, all active registered voters were automatically mailed a ballot. Please make sure to follow the instructions included with your ballot, including SIGNING THE CERTIFICATE ENVELOPE and making sure your ballot is INSIDE that envelope. Please use a BLACK PEN OR PENCIL to mark your ballot. DO NOT USE A MARKER as it can bleed through to the back of your ballot and require you to need a replaced ballot. If you have not received your ballot, or if you have any questions about your ballot, please call the Town Clerk’s office at 251-8157.


Brattleboro Absentee Ballots Available

Absentee ballots for the Primary Election to be held on August 11, are now available in Vermont town clerks’ offices.  Anyone wishing to vote prior to August 11 may apply for an absentee ballot until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10.   Due to COVID-19, in-person early voting at the Brattleboro Town Clerk’s office will not be an option this year. Absentee ballots may be mailed to the voter by the clerk’s office or if a voter is in need can be delivered to the voter’s residence by two Justices of the Peace.  All ballots must be received by the clerk before the polls close on election day in order to be counted.  Ballots can be returned by mail (postage pre-paid), dropped off in advance of the election in the drop box in the Municipal Center parking lot, or returned to the polls on election day. For more information or to request an absentee ballot in Brattleboro call 251-8157. Sample ballots are available on the Brattleboro.org website, under elections.


Next Steps

American protestors have forced the world to examine racism and the issues that contribute to it. It is a monumental milestone in American history but these protests, fueled by the death of George Floyd, will hopefully be the opening round of the battle for systemic social reform that has been needed in this country for too many decades.

The length and breadth of the protests show that there are significant numbers of Americans who are willing to use their voices to promote short and long-term change. The big question hanging over all of this is whether or not politicians and policymakers will listen thoughtfully and work to implement meaningful systemic change.


Open Primaries in Vermont

The Scene: Presidential primary election, March 3 in Vermont.

Election official: “Which ballot do you want? Democratic or Republican?”

Vermont voter: “Why do I need to tell you which ballot I want?”

“Well, umm, it’s the law . . . .“


Brattleboro Early and Absentee Ballots Available

Early/absentee ballots for the Brattleboro Annual Town and Town School District Meeting to be held March 5, are now available in the Brattleboro, Town Clerk’s office. Anyone wishing to vote prior to March 5 may apply for an early/absentee ballot until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4.

Early/absentee ballots may be voted in person in the Clerk’s office, mailed to the voter by the Clerk’s office, picked up by the voter, or if a voter is in need can be delivered to the voter’s residence by two Justices of the Peace. All voted ballots must be received by the Clerk before the polls close on election day in order to be counted. For more information or to request an early/absentee ballot call 251-8157.


Guilford Polling Place & Hours

General Elections — you’ve probably been hearing about this! — are Tuesday, Nov. 6. Guilford polling place is back at Broad Brook Community Center, formerly the Grange, polls open 10 am – 7 pm. (This year’s Phase 1 of renovations will be completed by then, so your trip to the polls can be combined with a first look at the project: New access ramp out front and entry will make wheelchair access better than ever, and restrooms are now fully accessible, among other improvements.)

You will have the opportunity to vote for Congress, Statewide offices such as Governor, County posts such as High Bailiff and State Senator, and your Windham District-1 rep to the legislature. At the town level, there is a contest for Justices of the Peace.


Early Voting in Brattleboro, Voter Registration and Town Clerk Hours

Early/absentee ballots for the Primary Election to be held on August 14, are now available in Vermont town clerks’ offices.  Anyone wishing to vote prior to August 14, may apply for an early/absentee ballot until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13.   Early/absentee ballots may be voted in person in the clerk’s office, mailed to the voter by the clerk’s office, picked up by the voter or if a voter is in need can be delivered to the voter’s residence by two Justices of the Peace.