You don’t need an excuse to vote early in Vermont — and for the 2026 general election, most voters won’t even need to ask for a ballot.
Every active registered voter gets a ballot automatically
For general elections, Vermont mails an early/absentee ballot to every active registered voter by law — no request required. Ballots go out by October 1, 2026, and you should receive yours in the first half of October. You can check your ballot’s mail date anytime on the Vermont Voter Portal.
What if I don’t receive a ballot, or I’ve moved?
If you’ve moved within Vermont, changed your mailing address, or simply never received your ballot, you can request another one through the Voter Portal or by contacting your town clerk. Because only one ballot per voter can be counted, you may be asked to sign an affidavit confirming you haven’t already voted.
How to vote early in person
You can also vote early in person at your town or city clerk’s office any time before Election Day. You’ll be given your ballot on the spot, offered a private place to mark it, and asked to seal and return it right there.
Key deadlines for the 2026 general election
- Request an absentee ballot: Any time up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the election (November 2, 2026), or whenever your town clerk’s office closes that day.
- Return by mail or drop-off: Your ballot must be back in your town clerk’s hands before the close of business the day before Election Day.
- Return in person on Election Day: You can bring your completed ballot directly to your polling place until 7:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
If you spoil your ballot while marking it, you can return it to your town clerk (by mail or in person) and receive a replacement. Vermont allows up to three ballots per voter, so a mistake isn’t the end of the world — just don’t wait until the last minute.
What if my ballot is flagged as “defective”?
If your certificate envelope isn’t signed, or another issue comes up, your town clerk is required to notify you within three days of receiving it so you have a chance to fix, or “cure,” the problem and have your vote counted. Keep an eye on your phone and mail after you return your ballot.
Military and overseas voters
Military and overseas voters can register and request a ballot through the Vermont Voter Portal or the Federal Voting Assistance Program, and may request a ballot by phone, fax, email, or mail. Because of mailing time, it’s best to request a ballot at least 45 days before Election Day. Voted ballots must still be returned with an original signature — they cannot be faxed or emailed back.
Prefer to vote on Election Day itself?
Here’s exactly what to expect at the polls on November 3, 2026.
Sourced from the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office, Early & Absentee Voting page (sos.vermont.gov). Rules and dates are set by state law and can be updated — always confirm specifics with your town clerk.