In Vermont, you are eligible to vote in the community you call home, even if you are homeless and do not have a permanent address.
Defining residency for voting purposes
Vermont election law defines a resident as “a person who is domiciled in the town as evidenced by an intent to maintain a principal dwelling place in the town indefinitely and to return there if temporarily absent, coupled with an act or acts consistent with that intent.” 17 V.S.A. § 2122(b).
This definition means that it does not matter how many nights a year you reside in a town, it is you own intent and actions that determine your residency.
If you have more than one home, you must decide which one is their your “principal” or primary dwelling place.
Special cases: Vermont election law allows a person to remain registered in the last town in which they resided if they are in the military, living overseas, in a nursing home or other health care facility, in a veteran's home, attending school, or in a correctional institution. See 17 V.S.A. § 2122(a).
How to register to vote without a permanent address
You may register to vote in the town, and in the district within a town (if applicable), that you consider as your principal dwelling place. You can register online at mvp.vermont.gov, or in-person at your town/city clerk's office.
When registering, you will be asked to provide an address. It is recommended that you use an address where you can receive mail; if you are unhoused, this could be a shelter or social services provider in your voting district.
You may also choose to note a street corner or park as your voting address, but you will not be able to receive a mail-in ballot if you do not provide a mailing address. You can vote early in-person at your town/city clerk's office during business hours, or on Election Day at the polls.
