October 2004 Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

 Contact Kathy DeWolfe: 802-828-2363
Director of Elections and Campaign Finance 

For Immediate Release: October 6, 2004

Typographical Error in Ballot 

The Office of the Secretary of State has announced that a typographical error has occurred in the first name of William H. Sorrell, candidate for Attorney General, on the general election ballots for voters in towns that count ballots by hand.  An extra "l" was included in his first name of William.   

This office has discussed the typographical error with candidate Sorrell and he has graciously said that he would not want the state to incur the cost of reprinting the ballots, which is estimated to be upwards of $50,000.  The counting and tabulating of the ballots will not be affected in anyway by the typographical error.

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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Janel Johnson,  802-828-1296
For Release 11:00 a.m., October 14, 2004

 Honor A Vet With Your Vote
Is Launched This Election Season

Secretary of State Markowitz Joins Vermont National Guard Members
To Promote Voting In Honor Of A Veteran 

Burlington.  Today, Honor A Vet With Your Vote kicked off it’s 2004 campaign at the Church Street Marketplace.  Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz joined Vermont National Guard Members to talk about the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans.  Markowitz said:  “During this time in our nation’s history where our service men and women are making such strong sacrifices, it’s important that we remember our veterans when we go to the polls on election day. The Honor A Vet With Your Vote program is one way to do just that.”

The Honor A Vet With Your Vote program provides personalized buttons to voters who wish to cast their vote in honor of a particular veteran.  During the 2002 elections, more than 2,000 veterans were honored in this way!  Buttons are being distributed through veteran’s organizations, civic organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, family reunions and Town Clerk’s Offices.  They are also available by visiting the Secretary of State’s website at www.govotevermont.com.

Deb Beckett, Williston Town Clerk and Vermont National Guard member said:  “This program is very meaningful to those of us serving in the military.  It helps remind people of the tremendous contributions our nation’s military is making presently and have made in the past.” 

Secretary of State Markowitz adds:   “This is an opportunity for Vermonters to recognize those who have proudly served this country and worked to keep our democracy strong so that we have the right to vote!  Thank you for your help in honoring our nation’s veterans.”

For more information about this program contact Janel Johnson at 802-828-1296 or visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.govotevermont.com

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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Marianne Lynch,  802-828-2148
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2004

Newly Published Guide

Encourages People with Disabilities to Vote 

Secretary of State issues “Equal Access to Voting in Vermont” a

voting rights guide for people with disabilities

Montpelier.  Today Secretary of State Deb Markowitz issued a new publication designed to encourage people with disabilities to vote.  Markowitz said, “one of the specific purposes of Vermont’s election law is “to provide equal opportunity for all citizens of voting age to participate in political processes.”  (17 V.S.A § 2101.)  This places a special obligation on the people who administer Vermont’s elections to ensure that all of our citizens have equal access to voting, regardless of disability.  To that end, we have issued a new brochure entitled “Equal Access to Voting – It’s the Law.”

Markowitz said, “many Vermonters are eligible to vote but do not know where and how to register or vote.”  According to Markowitz, “some Vermonters are discouraged from voting because they have physical or mental disabilities.  Other Vermonters need some form of assistance, and some may be ill around the time of elections.  There are some Vermonters who don’t vote because they cannot get to (or into) sites where elections are held. All these concerns, and others, create barriers that keep people from exercising their right to vote.”

Markowitz said, “Vermont’s election laws are designed to make it easy for all eligible Vermonters to vote and to register to vote. People with disabilities, and other voters, have many options for how they can register to vote and for getting assistance both in voting and in registering to vote.” 

“Equal Access to Voting in Vermont” includes information on

1.       Treat people with disabilities with the same respect and consideration you have for everyone else.  Find a topic of small talk the way you would with anyone.   Don’t assume the disability is all that person can talk about or is interested in.

2.       Use a normal voice when saying hello.  Don’t raise your voice unless requested. 

3.       When you meet someone, extend your hand to shake it if that is what you normally do.  A person who cannot shake hands will let you know, but he/she will appreciate being treated in a normal way.

4.       Do not automatically give assistance.  Ask first if the person wants help.  Many disabled people will be grateful for an offer of help.  If your offer of assistance is accepted, listen to or ask for instructions.

5.       Talk directly to the person, not to an aide, friend or interpreter.  It is important to make eye contact.  If you don’t understand someone, ask the person to repeat it.  Sometimes it takes repeated attempts at listening or speaking.  If the person uses a wheelchair, sit down yourself (if possible) and converse at the same level.

6.       Guide dogs and other service animals should not be pet or touched without specific permission.

Census figures show that nearly 17% of all Vermonters have some sort of disability.  These disabilities vary greatly.  Some disabilities are very visible – like those requiring a person to use a wheel chair, a guide dog or a walker.  Other disabilities, like many cognitive disabilities, are invisible, but can make communication especially challenging. 

To order copies of Equal Access to Voting in Vermont- It’s the Law contact the Secretary of State’s office at mlynch@sec.state.vt.us or call (802) 828-2148.  View the complete brochure at  /municipal/pubs/equalaccess.html

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