Who is a resident for voting purposes? 
Vermont election law defines a resident as "a person who is domiciled in the town as evidenced by an intent to maintain a principal dwelling place in the town indefinitely and to return there if temporarily absent, coupled with an act or acts consistent with that intent." 17 V.S.A. § 2122(b).  

The law creates a subjective standard.  This means that it is the voter’s intent and action that determines residency, not how many nights a year the voter sleeps in town. A voter who has more than one home must decide which one is his or her "principal" dwelling place.

Where does a person register who lives out of the country or who is serving in the military or who is at college, in prison or in a nursing home?
If you are serving in the military, attending an educational institution, in a nursing home or health care facility, in prison, or living abroad, the Vermont statutes allow you to keep your residency for voting purposes and remain on the checklist in the town in which you resided. If you are in the military, once you leave the service or return to the United States, you may establish a new residency for voting purposes. However, you cannot apply to be added to the checklist in a different town in Vermont until you physically return and establish your principal dwelling place in a different town.

Are there penalties for voting in a town where you no longer live?
It is unlawful to give false information concerning your qualifications to be a registered voter of a town or city in Vermont. The penalties are serious, including penalties of up to a $10,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than fifteen years, or both.

You may want to vote in the town in which you grew up, or where you lived for a long time. You may want to vote in the town where you have purchased land in Vermont, and plan to move to that town in the future. However, unless your principal dwelling place is currently in the town, you cannot apply to be added to the checklist of that town. Likewise, you cannot remain on a checklist in a town when you have moved to a principal dwelling place in another town or city. You can only register to vote in your current town of residence. It is perjury to give false information about your town of residence on the application form.

Can you be registered or vote in more than one town?
A voter may only register and vote in one town.  It is unlawful to vote, or to attempt to vote, in more than one town.  When you register in a new town you must indicate on your registration form what town you are currently registered in so that your name can be removed from the voter checklist in that town.

Why does the Application for Addition to the Checklist require a description of where my principal dwelling is located?  Why isn’t it sufficient to just give a mailing address? 
The Town Clerk must be given enough information to determine whether you live in the town where you are registering, and in some communities the clerk must decide what voting district you live in. It is therefore important to include the number, street name, and apartment number on the registration form. If you live in a dormitory or other institution you must include the dorm or building name and room number, not just a box number because the campus may be split between more than one district.

Why does the Application for Addition to the Checklist require a mailing address
and phone number?
If your mailing address is different than your dwelling place location address then it is important to provide the mailing address so that the town clerk knows where to send notification that you have been added to the checklist. A phone number is also important so that the town clerk can call you if there is a need to clarify any information on the application.

Can you register to vote before you are 18? 
Yes. If you are not yet 18 years old, but will become 18 years old before the next election, the application can be completed and submitted to the Town Clerk.  Note that you cannot take the voters’ oath until you are 18, so the oath section should not be filled out. This application will serve as a written notice of intent to apply before the deadline for registration. You must take the oath after your birthday at the Town Clerks office, in front of a notary, or at the polls on election day.

Who must take the Voter’s Oath?
If you are registering to vote in Vermont for the first time, you must take the Voter's Oath. If you have already taken the oath in Vermont, check that box and do not take the oath again.

Who can give the Voter’s Oath?
The oath can be administered by a Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioned Military Officer, any person over the age of 18, or by yourself. The person who administered the oath, or you, if you are attesting for yourself that you have taken the oath, must date and sign the attestation in the box on the application form.

What does the Voter’s Oath mean?
The oath is unique to Vermont. It was originally required in the 1777 Vermont Constitution. It was known as the "Freeman's Oath" until the Inclusive Language Revision Amendment of 1994, when it became the "Voter's Oath". The oath simply says that you will vote your conscience and not let anyone tell you how to vote.

What if I don’t believe in swearing oaths?
If you do not take oaths, you may “affirm” instead.

Must I keep a copy of my Application?
Yes! Keep a copy of your application. If you have not received confirmation of addition to the checklist by the week before the election this will be proof that you registered in time to vote. Bring your copy of the application to the polls or call the town or city clerk's office to ensure that you get to vote.

What do I do if I move within the town or change my name? 
If your name or address should change please notify your town or city clerk immediately, as it is your responsibility to keep your name and address current.

Do I have to register as a Democrat, Republican, Independent or some
other party in Vermont?
There is NO PARTY REGISTRATION in Vermont. Names are added to the checklist alphabetically with addresses but with no party affiliation noted.

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