Vermont Early Voting Slides to 64 Percent Ahead of Tuesday

Vermont’s early voting rate has fallen to 64 percent for the 2024 election, marking a slight decline from 66 percent in 2022. This figure remains more than double the pre-pandemic norms, yet it signals a continued drop in mailed ballot returns compared to recent years.

The state shifted to universal mailed ballots in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. That change caused early voting to spike to 76 percent. Before that shift, only 30 percent of ballots were returned early in 2016, and 26 percent in 2018. Voters now return ballots by mail or drop them off at town and city clerk offices or secure ballot boxes.

As of Monday morning, data suggests early voting may continue trending downward. However, if overall turnout is strong, this drop could mean more voters will show up in person on Election Day. This would represent a shift from the heavy reliance on mailed ballots seen in 2020 and 2022.

Voters who have not yet cast a ballot can no longer mail it. They may still place it in a drop box within their voting district. Individuals should check with their local clerk to locate these boxes. Alternatively, voters can go to their local polling place on Tuesday.

Those voting in person should bring their mailed ballot with them. If a voter did not receive a ballot or forgets to bring it, they can still cast a vote at the polling location. This ensures every resident has a path to participate despite the change in early voting habits.