As we collectively catch our breath (and breathe a sigh of relief!) following the election, we have a lot to be proud of as Vermonters. More than 365,000 Vermonters participated in the 2020 Vermont general election, blowing away the previous record by more than 40,000 votes. This record-breaking turnout is due to a variety of factors – …
Voter turnout is notoriously low among young people. However, the dominant narrative that young folks don’t vote because we are simply apathetic is largely inaccurate. Often, the primary barriers preventing young voters from voting are structural, not personal. For example, voters age 18-34 face higher levels of voting challenges than all other age groups with barriers such …
Lower Barriers to Voting Means Higher Youth Voter Participation Read More »
The 2020 general election is fast approaching! The Secretary of State has sent every active, registered voter in Vermont their mail-in ballot, and voting is officially underway. Once you receive your ballot, it’s important to remember the “4 S’s” to ensure your vote gets counted: Select your candidates, Seal the ballot inside the return envelope, Sign the certificate on the voted ballot envelope, …
As President Trump and Postmaster General Louis Dejoy continue their assault on our democracy and the United States Postal Service, Vermonters stand to be particularly hurt by damages done to the USPS. Since the 18th century, the postal service has served as a vital resource for Vermonters to communicate outside our state borders, catch up …
We believe that open channels of communication between Vermont citizens and their elected representatives are essential to a healthy, functioning democracy. And in a year like this one, that’s never been more critical. That’s why we’ve compiled the Vote Safe Vermont Candidate Information Toolkit. This comprehensive compilation of legislators’ websites, social media pages, and other …
Connect with the candidates on your ballot in the 2020 election Read More »
As you probably know, the U.S. Constitution requires the government to complete a census every 10 years. The goal is to count every permanent resident, regardless of citizenship status — and, despite President Trump’s wishes, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census.1 Why is this so important? Because census data directly determines federal funding …
Concerned about federal funding for you community? Read More »
Where are the youth? Our democracy works best when as many people as possible participate. Unfortunately, rates of youth voter participation have historically been significantly lower than older age groups. There are many reasons for this – lack of knowledge and time to learn about candidates, difficulties changing registration when moving frequently, not believing that voting actually makes a difference, and …
Here at VPIRG we’ve been working for months to ensure that no Vermonter is forced to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote this year. Thankfully, the Vermont legislature recently passed bill S.348 granting full authority to the Secretary of State to mail all registered voters a ballot for this year’s …
