Vermont Voters Return 88,000 Ballots in Midterms
State officials urge voters to avoid postal mail as Election Day approaches.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Elections
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More than 88,000 ballots have been returned by Vermont voters for the midterm elections. Officials are encouraging residents to utilize drop boxes or in-person voting to ensure ballots arrive by the deadline.
Why it matters
The Secretary of State discourages using the postal system for returns due to concerns regarding delivery times before the election concludes. This guidance aims to ensure every vote is processed and counted in time for the official tally.
Official state data shows 88,000 ballots have been returned statewide, with St. Albans Town leading the 30 largest municipalities at 29% participation. Registered voters named Arlene saw a 42% return rate.
The players
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State is the official government agency responsible for overseeing elections and voter registration processes in Vermont.
The details
Voters have been casting ballots via mail, secure drop boxes, or early in-person voting methods. State residents can monitor their ballot status using the official Vermont ballot tracking portal.
Timeline
November 3, 2026 is the final deadline for all ballots to be received.
1934 was the year Arlene was recorded as the most popular birth name.
Political Context
The current push to shift voters away from postal mail reflects ongoing efforts to ensure ballot security and timely receipt within the framework of the Help America Vote Act. Opponents often raise concerns about ballot drop box security and the potential for increased logistical hurdles for rural voters.
To ensure your vote is counted, you should utilize local ballot drop boxes or in-person voting rather than relying on the postal system. You can verify your ballot status by checking the official state tracking website.
The takeaway
Voters should prioritize secure, direct methods of ballot submission to avoid potential delays in postal delivery. Checking the state website provides peace of mind that your ballot has been successfully received by election officials.
What happens next
All ballots must be received by election officials no later than Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the voting process at the Vermont Elections portal.
More information
Track your ballot status at the Vermont ballot tracking portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Local 22 & Local 44.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident that mailing your ballot ensures it arrives by Election Day?
