Your Options for Returning a Ballot
For the 2026 General Election, Vermont is mailing a ballot to all active, registered voters. Once you've filled it out, you have several ways to return it. You can mail it back, bring it to your town clerk's office during business hours, or deposit it in a secure, official ballot drop box. Many voters prefer drop boxes for their convenience and the assurance that the ballot has been securely delivered without relying on mail services. You can also surrender your mail-in ballot and vote in person on Election Day if you prefer.
Finding an Official Drop Box
Official ballot drop boxes are managed by local election officials. Most, but not all, towns in Vermont provide them. Locations are typically at or near the town clerk's office. For instance, a box might be located in the entryway
of the town office, available 24/7, or situated outside the main entrance. The Vermont Secretary of State's office provides a statewide list of drop box locations on its website, which is the most reliable resource for finding the one in your town. You can also find this information by logging into the Vermont Voter Portal or by contacting your town clerk directly.
Crucial Deadlines and Hours
The key deadline for using a ballot drop box is the day before Election Day. Your ballot must be deposited before the close of your town clerk's office on Monday, November 2, 2026. Some sources specify a 5:00 PM cutoff on this date. Do not wait until Election Day to use a drop box. On Election Day itself, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, you must return your ballot in person at your designated polling place, where polls are open until 7:00 PM. Ballots placed in a drop box on Election Day will not be counted. Using the drop box early ensures your ballot is securely collected in time.
Security and Integrity Measures
Vermont's ballot drop boxes are designed to be secure. Towns that choose to use them must ensure they are secure and monitored. They are typically heavy, sealed, and placed in visible, often monitored locations to prevent tampering. Ballots are collected regularly by election officials. If you're concerned about your ballot's status, you can use the Vermont Voter Portal to track it. The portal will show you when your ballot was mailed to you and confirm when your town clerk has received your voted ballot, providing peace of mind that your vote has been successfully submitted.
Who Can Drop Off Your Ballot?
Generally, you should return your own ballot. However, Vermont law allows for some flexibility. You are permitted to return the sealed ballot envelopes of household members. If you need someone else to return your ballot for you, that person must be authorized by you to do so. While you can have someone else drop off your completed, sealed ballot, it's important to note that you can only physically pick up your own replacement ballot from the town clerk's office.
