Vermont secretary of state praises Supreme Court ballot ruling

The court action

Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s action after it blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump that would have changed how mail-in ballots are distributed and returned.

The court acted Monday, preventing the requirements from taking effect. The order would have required every mail-in ballot to be placed in a secure envelope carrying a barcode. It also would have allowed ballots to be distributed only to people on an approved participation list.

Vermont’s response

Copeland Hanzas called the court’s decision a win for voters and democracy. She also praised municipal clerks for their commitment to maintaining Vermonters’ voting rights.

The secretary criticized the federal administration’s actions, saying they had created doubt and confusion about voting. Her response focused on preserving access to mail-in ballots and supporting the local clerks who administer Vermont elections.

How Vermont voters can return ballots

Ballots are scheduled to be mailed to all qualified Vermont voters by Oct. 1. Officials recommend that voters return completed ballots by the middle of October.

Voters do not have to send their ballots back through the mail. They may place them in secure ballot drop boxes or deliver them directly to their town clerk’s office before Election Day.

A voter who instead chooses to vote in person on Election Day must bring the ballot mailed to them. The Supreme Court’s action leaves the new federal envelope and participation-list requirements blocked while Vermont proceeds with its stated ballot mailing and return options.