How to Run a Voter Registration Drive

Step1: Be prepared to organize your voter registration drive

Set up a time and place for the drive: Voter Registration Drives work well at large public events with lots of people such as music and art festivals, parades, community events, but anywhere may work. If you are planning your drive to be on private property (in front of a store, gallery, etc.) you will need to ask for permission to set up.
Get Voter Registration Forms: Call the Secretary of State's office at 1-800-439-VOTE or email [email protected] to order voter registration forms, or contact the town clerk's office.
Order Buttons, Stickers, Flyers and Videos: The Secretary of State's Office may have these items at no cost to help you to promote voting.
Make sure you have all other necessary supplies: Arrange to have a table and a few chairs, pens, clipboards, and volunteers. Don't be shy - have volunteers standing with clipboards and registration forms in-hand, ready to ask passers-by if they are registered to vote.

Step 2: Get the word out

There are many ways to get the word out. You may obtain voter registration posters from the Secretary of State's office or design your own. Many local radio stations will run free public service announcements, and you can ask governmental, civic and religious organizations to announce the drive in their bulletins and at their meetings. Also, be sure to set up in a prominent location!

Step 3: Filling out the forms

Read the information on the back of the application form to acquaint yourself with the basic rules.

Forms must be legible so that the town clerk's office can correctly add a name and voter information to the town's voter checklist.
All questions must be answered. It is VERY important that the applicant complete the section on the form about "My principal dwelling is located at ______” (examples: 1 Main St. or 999 Vote St.). The Town of Brattleboro is divided into three separate voting districts and if physical location is not included the registrant cannot be added to any of Brattleboro's voting districts.
First-time Vermont registrants are required to complete the Voter's Oath section. If the applicant is unsure if they have taken the oath in the past, it does no harm to administer it again. Oaths are now self-administering.
An applicant’s telephone number and mailing address are also important if the applicant needs to be contacted for further information.
Federal Law now requires that registrants enter their VERMONT driver’s license number. If a registrant DOES NOT HAVE a Vermont driver’s license, the last four digits of their Social Security number may be used. But, if they have a Vermont driver’s license, only their license number will be accepted. License numbers from other States will not be acceptable.
Give the applicant the last page of the completed form and encourage them to keep it until they receive confirmation in the mail from the clerk's office that they have been added to the checklist.
There is no deadline to register to vote. You will be able to register to vote on the day of the election. You can register prior by visiting the Town Clerk’s Office or going online to olvr.sec.state.vt.us.

Step 4: Registering 17-year-olds for primaries

Seventeen-year-olds who will turn 18 on or before the November General Election are now permitted to vote in the Presidential Primary and August Primary prior to the General Election. The primary process is a nomination process so youth can participate in the nominations prior to taking the voter’s oath.

Step 5: Registering 16- & 17-year-olds (youth voters) for local elections

Youth Voters are now permitted to vote in local Brattleboro elections (not school), prior to taking the voter’s oath.

Step 6: We offer same-day voter registration!

Starting in January of 2017 Vermont has same-day voter registration. However, to save time on Election Day it is advisable to get all registration forms in to the Town Clerk’s Office in advance.

Have Fun!

You are helping the citizens of Vermont fulfill one of their most important civic responsibilities – feel good about what you are doing!

REMEMBER The only requirements to register to vote in Vermont are:
1. Being a citizen of the United States
2. Being at least 18 years old on or before the day of the election (or 16 years old for local elections)
3. Being a resident of the State of Vermont

In the State of Vermont convicted felons are eligible to vote.