2020 General Election Voters' Guide

VOTE! ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 3

Voters’ Guide 2020  LIST OF CANDIDATES  HOW TO REGISTER: A GRAPHIC GUIDE  MAIL-IN BALLOT FAQ  POP QUIZ: VERMONT VOTING LAWS

They Couldn’t Vote.

VOTING EARLY Statewide Primary August 11, 2020

It’s Safe, Easy and Secure!

1 Register Online to Vote

You Can.

Vote Nov. 3rd, 2020

• To register to vote and to verify or update voter registration information especially a current mailing address, go to: mvp.vermont.gov, or contact your Town Clerk.

Five officers of the Women's League Club in Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1899 American Women’s Suffrage Centennial Project 1920-2020 Your Ballot 2 Request • The Secretary of State’s office has sent out ballot request postcards to registered voters. The postcard has a tear-away, postage-paid, ballot request form that you can mail back to your Town Clerk to request a ballot.

• A postcard request form is not required to request a ballot: ballots can be requested online at mvp.vermont.gov, or by phone, email, or call your Town Clerk if you would like to pick up a ballot in person.

• Absentee ballots for the August 11, 2020, statewide primary are now available.

Suffragists had to fight long and hard so that all of us could have the right to vote.

3 Complete your Ballot and Return it

• Carefully read and follow the instructions for voting your ballot.

• You will receive three ballots, one for each of Vermont’s three major parties.

• You may only vote one of these ballots and you must return the two unvoted ballots with your voted ballot, or your ballot will not count.

• The ballots will come with three envelopes, a certificate envelope for the voted ballot, an unvoted ballots envelope for the unvoted ballots, and a pre-paid, pre-addressed mailing envelope. Put the voted ballot in the certificate envelope, sign, date and seal it, put the unvoted ballots in the unvoted ballots envelope, and then enclose both ballot envelopes inside the pre-addressed postage paid envelope.

You can mail in your ballot or call your town clerk if you would like to hand deliver your ballot before Election Day. It must be received before Election Day (August 11) or bring it to the polls on Election Day. If you have lost or did not receive your ballot you may request one at the polls.

Celebrate them by voting!

Vote by absentee ballot and mail it in before October 24, 2020 or drop off your voted ballot at your Town Clerk’s office or at the polls.

You can vote in person at the polls on November 3, 2020 as well.

For Election Updates and Info: SOS.Vermont.Gov/Elections

lwvofvt.org Funded by a grant from the Johnson Family Foundation

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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during this pandemic.

We were struggling before the crisis, and many more are now. I am asking for your vote, to be the Governor who ensures Vermonters are safe, are taking home more pay and can even save a little to be resilient when another crisis hits, who builds more affordable housing, weatherizes homes, and expands broadband, and who leads Vermont into the future.”

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Paid for by Zuckerman for VT, POB 9354, S Burlington VT 05407.

THERE ARE IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES IN THIS GOVERNOR’S RACE DAVID ZUCKERMAN WILL

• Raise the minimum wage.

• Pass a climate jobs plan to put Vermonters back to work.

• Invest in our schools from pre-k to our state colleges.

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PHIL SCOTT

• Vetoed raising the minimum wage, twice.

• Vetoed the Global Warming Solutions Act and has sided with corporate polluters over Vermonters.

• Wanted to implement cuts that would have lost 4000 jobs in our schools and closed our state college campuses.

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT CONSERVATIVES living, and we can pay for projects that truly reduce our impact on the environment, rather than shifting the production and pollution to foreign countries.

MYTH #3 WE DON’T CARE ABOUT DRUG ADDICTION OR MENTAL ILLNESS

MYTH #1 CONSERVATIVES DON’T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE I have a chronic health condition that had me so far in debt because of medical bills, that I had to file for bankruptcy in 2018. This happened because I lost my affordable individual health insurance plan with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. I made too much money to receive a subsidy, but not enough to afford the premiums as well as the $8,000.00 deductible.

When government controls an industry, competition is removed from the marketplace and costs invariably rise. More competition is better for the consumer. The goal is better health outcomes which means cleaning up the bureaucratic mess, so doctors can be doctors.

There are too many corporations who have influence over how the government chooses to care for our sick and vulnerable. We need to remove big business and corporate money from politics, so they can’t manipulate our laws and elected officials.

MYTH #2 WE DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND DON’T CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Every hunter, fisherman or sportsman has a vested interest in ensuring the life and health of our forests, waterways and wildlife. My sister studied

and teaches environmental science, I don’t have a choice BUT to care. We reduced, reused and recycled before it was mandatory in Vermont. We grew up growing our own food, and our parents taught us to be good stewards of the Earth.

On March 20 of this year I celebrated 11 years sober. I have walked miles in the shoes of people struggling with drugs, alcohol, depression and thoughts of suicide. I now help other women recover in the same way I was taught how - knee to knee, loving them until they can love themselves. I was taught the courage to take responsibility for what I did, and the integrity to make amends. It was how I earned my dignity back.

This is why I am a huge fan of restorative justice – that is victim focused. Many of the people who end up on the street have been victims in some way. For me it was being assaulted in my mid-twenties. We want to be merciful to the people suffering from an illness, but not at the expense of justice for the victim. Otherwise we just create a whole community of traumatized people.

MYTH #4 CONSERVATIVES DON’T CARE ABOUT RACISM & EQUALITY

I am not against climate initiatives - I am against subsidies which become a wealth transfer from the lower and middle classes, to the wealthy. People who can afford to install and maintain solar panels are generally higher income earners. We all want to do what’s right, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our most vulnerable.

With a robust economy, free of high taxes, businesses will want to relocate here. Their potential employees won’t be scared off by the high cost of

Fifteen years ago, during my active addiction I committed a crime. All these years later I am still discriminated against in employment and housing.

This is why I stress the importance of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. I was better able to live my life when I no longer had to ask permission to have a job.

My husband and I agree that one of the best ways to deal with discrimination is to create your own opportunities. It’s why we volunteer our time working with at risk youth, helping them discover their passions and work toward their goals.

Benjamin started his film production company because “I didn’t see people who looked like me in the movies I like to watch”. For years, the only gigs his agent called him for were “Drug Dealer #1” or “Thug #2”. Instead of waiting for there to be a dark-skinned black man to stunt double for, he writes, acts and shoots his own movies.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEGISLATOR? One who is Rigorously Honest and will tell you the truth, even when it’s inconvenient? If you want for a Senator who has faced the struggles we are facing in our Brave Little State, and came out the other side stronger and more courageous…

Visit my campaign website at www.erickaforsenate.com.

Learn more about our shared values, find links to interviews and videos of me talking about these topics, and a detailed economic plan that addresses the challenges I’ve outlined above.

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Get Ready Season for Election Day C OVID-19 has caused many delays and cancellations in 2020, but the November 3 election is definitely still on. Of course, it looks a bit different this year — and not just because of the prevalence of masks and hand sanitizer.

To avoid attracting large crowds to polling places on Election Day, many states, including Vermont, have eased restrictions on early and absentee voting, aka voting by mail.

That means the election has already begun.

On September 18, mask-wearing voters in Minnesota, Virginia, South Dakota and Wyoming started lining up — six feet apart — to vote early, in person. Nine states, and the District of Columbia, will be proactively mailing ballots to all active voters, a practice known as universal mail-in voting.

Vermont is one of them. THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE HAS ALREADY STARTED SENDING BALLOTS TO ALL OF THE 440,341 VOTERS ON

ITS CHECKLIST. You may have

gotten yours already, hence the unusually early September 30 publication of this voters’ guide.

THE GUIDE IS AIMED AT HELPING YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR BALLOT AND

C AT HY RE S ME R, DE P U T Y P U BLI S HE R

MARC NADEL

HOW TO MAKE IT COUNT. We’ve tried to anticipate and answer your questions, as well as offer some resources for further exploration, including a list of the candidates seeking your vote, starting on page 14. Not registered yet?

If you’re 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, you can — and should — still get in on the action. Burlington cartoonist Christine Hill explains how on page 7.

If the August primary is any indication, we could see record-setting turnout in this election; 170,586 Vermonters voted in the primary, obliterating the previous high of 122,437, reached in the primary following the legalization of civil unions in 2000. Most of those 2020 primary votes — more than 110,000 of them — were cast before the polls opened.

Another prediction: WE MIGHT NOT KNOW THE WINNER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3. Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse, right?

States have different rules when it comes to tallying mail-in ballots, and there are at least 170 electionrelated lawsuits that could potentially affect the outcome. For example, in Vermont, ballots must be received by the time polls close on Election Day — that’s 7 p.m., BTW. But in Michigan, a judge just ruled that, because of recent postal service delays, ballots postmarked by November 2 — and received within 14 days after the election — will count. That could be significant.

In 2016, Donald Trump won Michigan by just 10,704 votes. In 2020, according to the Detroit Free Press, the Wolverine State expects to receive 3 million ballots by mail. If this is another close election, we might not know the results for a while. So buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride to Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021.

Yes, democracy can be complicated and turbulent — even when we’re not contending with a pandemic and wildfires and hurricanes and an unexpected Supreme Court vacancy. But it still beats the alternatives. Hopefully that’s one thing we in this polarized country can all still agree on.

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

5

Selfless Service

Respect

About Me: It’s time for Chittenden County to have a Senator that represents you, that listens to you, and works to advance us all. As a combat veteran, a dedicated father and small business owner, and a native Vermonter, I will do just that.

Personal Courage

Leadership

Priorities: Bolster Small Business Foster Safe Communities Defend First & Second Amendment Rights Limit taxation Reform Act 250 Clean up Lake Champlain

I am pleased to endorse Kumulia “Kase” Long for Chittenden County Senate. He and I both attended the same High School in Essex Junction and both served in the Vermont National Guard. Kumulia feels called to serve in the Vermont State Senate just as he served in the National Guard. He feels that many of our citizens are not being heard and has a strong desire to represent those citizens, who like himself, have struggled to make ends meet.

He is a hard-working small business owner and knows the importance of growing Vermont’s economy in order to generate opportunities for young people. Vermont is facing staggering fiscal challenges. Kumulia will provide a fresh perspective and new ideas to help us move forward together. He wants his daughters to grow up in a State with great quality of life, a clean environment, and a strong economy. He will work hard for his children and yours.

- Brian Dubie, Former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont

VOTE November 3rd

I need Kumulia Long in the State House to help me grow the economy and make Vermont more affordable!

- Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont

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FOR STATE SENATE 9/23/20 11:14 AM

9/28/20 8:50 AM

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Voting by Mail:

How to Make It Count Vermont town clerks received a record number of mail-in ballots in the August 11 primary. Unfortunately, there were also a record number of spoiled ballots.

More than 6,000 ballots — roughly 3.5 percent of those cast — were disqualified for one reason or another.

Many of those errors were specific to the primary. Voters received three ballots, one for each of the state’s major parties. They needed to mark one ballot and return the other two blank ones, which may have confused firsttime absentee voters.

Voting by mail in the general election will be simpler because there is only one ballot. Here are some step-by-step instructions to help you do it right.

1

Don’t crease or tear your ballot, or take notes on the margins. Follow the instructions to fill it out correctly.

2

Be sure to fill in the ovals next to your preferred candidates completely.

3 4

You may be able to vote for more than one candidate for legislative and local offices, but be careful not to vote for more than the number allowed.

If you overvote, your vote will not count for that race. It’s fine to choose fewer candidates than allowed, and it’s OK to skip some races altogether.

Once you’ve completed your ballot, put it in the enclosed voted ballot/certificate envelope and seal it.

More Voting by Mail FAQs I’m a registered voter, but I haven’t gotten my ballot yet. What should I do?

If you don’t have it by October 7, call your town clerk to make sure there hasn’t been a mix-up.

Can I recycle my ballot if I plan to vote in person?

No — bring your ballot with you to your polling place. You can still vote without it, but you’ll need to sign an affidavit swearing that you did not already vote.

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

My dog ate my ballot. Now what?

Contact your town clerk to get a new one, or plan to vote in person.

Do I have to pay the postage to mail in my ballot?

No. Postage is prepaid.

I’d rather drop off my ballot at my town clerk’s office or at my polling place.

But if I can’t get there myself, can I ask someone to do it for me?

Yes. It’s fine to ask someone you trust to drop off your ballot. The only people who can’t do it are candidates or their staff — unless they’re members of your immediate family.

5

Be sure to complete all the required steps before sending in your ballot. You must SIGN AND DATE THE CERTIFICATE ENVELOPE before you turn it in. This is one of the most common reasons ballots are not counted.

6

MAIL YOUR BALLOT ASAP OR BY OCTOBER 24 AT THE LATEST to be sure it arrives by November 3.

Check to see that it arrived by logging on to your voter page at mvp.vermont.gov.

7

Missed that deadline? Worried about postal service delays? Drop your ballot off at your town clerk’s office before the election, or bring it to your polling place before polls close on November 3.

Can I check to see if my ballot was received?

Yes — you can track its status at mvp.vermont.gov.

I just realized I forgot to sign my envelope, but I already mailed it in.

Can I fix it?

No, once your ballot is received by the clerk, it can’t be returned to you for any reason.

If I made a mistake on my mail-in ballot, can I show up to vote at the polls?

No. Don’t even try it! You could be charged with perjury and hit with a fine of up to $10,000 — and sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

Can I vote for my housemate who moved out last month? He forgot to change his address, and his ballot arrived today.

No. Filling out someone else’s ballot is a crime punishable by fines and prison time. Contact your town clerk about the ballot.

Can I still vote in person on November 3?

Yes! Find your polling place by calling your town clerk or logging on to your voting page at mvp.vermont.gov. And remember to wear a mask.

Got more questions? Find more answers at sos.vermont.gov.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The state auditor is the official charged with overseeing Vermont’s elections.

2

TRUE OR FALSE: Vermont voters must register their political party preference.

3

TRUE OR FALSE: Both convicted felons and prison inmates are allowed to vote in Vermont.

4

TRUE OR FALSE: It is possible to win the national popular vote for president — to receive the most votes — but still lose the election.

5

TRUE OR FALSE: Vermonters can vote from their smartphones.

4 TO 6: You know to vote on or before November 3, right?

That’s what really matters.

3 OR FEWER: Jeezum crow.

Are you new to voting or new to Vermont — or both?

Glad you found this guide!

Hope it’s helpful.

7. FALSE. Some states such as Colorado require signature verification; Vermont does not. Election officials do use unique ID numbers to track voter activity.

TRUE

1

7 TO 9: Well done, Good Citizen!

8. FALSE. In a memo entitled “Debunking the Voter Fraud Myth,” the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law documents more than 30 studies showing that voter fraud exists but is extremely rare. According to an Associated Press “Fact Check” on September 17, “In the five states that regularly send ballots to all voters, there have been no major cases of fraud or difficulty counting the votes.”

The United States will pick its next president this fall, but there’s no national blueprint for how to do it.

Each state creates and enforces its own voting laws.

Test your knowledge of Vermont’s rules — and other electoral issues — by taking this 10-question quiz.

10: Want to help us write our next guide, Ace?

9. TRUE.

Voting in Vermont

HOW MANY DID YOU ANSWER CORRECTLY?

10. FALSE. A justice of the peace is the only person allowed to take a ballot from a town clerk’s office on behalf of another.

POP QUIZ:

6. TRUE. Don’t forget to sign your envelope!

TRUE OR FALSE: A high bailiff is the only person who may take a ballot from a town clerk’s office on behalf of another person.

ANSWER KEY

10

elections.

TRUE OR FALSE: Vermont voters who are sick on Election Day and have not voted can request that a ballot be delivered to their home.

1. FALSE. The secretary of state oversees

9

party identification.

TRUE OR FALSE: Voter fraud is a massive, well-documented problem in states that use universal mail-in voting.

FALSE

2. FALSE. Vermont does not record voters’

8

counted, poll workers check to verify that the signature on your ballot matches the signature they have on file for you.

3. TRUE.

TRUE OR FALSE: When your mail-in ballot is

must sign the envelope that holds the ballot for it to be counted.

4. TRUE. The presidential election is decided by the Electoral College. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress — for example, California has 55; Vermont has three. The electors vote for the winner of the popular vote in their state, or in some cases, in the congressional districts. A candidate must win 270 votes in the Electoral College to prevail. Both Al Gore and Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College and therefore the election.

7

up a pen.

TRUE OR FALSE: Voters who mail in their ballots

5. FALSE. Put down your phone and pick

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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WTF:

Who are all these people on my ballot?

BY K E VIN MC C AL L UM

TIM NEWCOMB

T

he first reaction many Vermont voters may have upon reviewing their general election ballots is to ask: Who the hell are all these people?

A lot more candidates than usual are running for office this year, especially at the top of the ticket. In 2016, seven candidates for president appeared on Vermont ballots. This year, Vermonters will choose from among 21 different presidential contenders.

Voters who don’t want to give Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence four more years to make America even greater can choose Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris — or independent Kanye West. The rapper made headlines when he filed paperwork to be added to the Vermont ballot just hours before the deadline. Less well known is independent candidate Kyle Kenley Kopitke, a Michigan resident with 111 Twitter followers 10

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

who claims to want to protect Americans from 5G networks, chemtrails and the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella.

Another option: Gary Swing, a Colorado resident running on the Boiling Frog Party ticket. His solution to the climate crisis? People should stop having babies.

Two Vermonters are also among those vying for the top office in the land.

Washington resident H. Brooke Paige is a perennial candidate who’s run unsuccessfully for various statewide offices as both a Democrat and a Republican since 2012.

Colchester office manager Christopher Lafontaine is a self-described “political geek” who knows he can’t win but wants to take a stand against the two-party system.

A former U.S. Department of State contractor, he also thinks the country needs to beef up its interstellar technologies.

“The Space Force sounds crazy. That’s

not to say it’s a bad idea,” Lafontaine told Seven Days recently.

What’s behind this sudden spike in candidates for president in 2020? Blame it on the coronavirus pandemic.

In a normal year, candidates for public office need to demonstrate that they qualify for the ballot by getting enough people to sign petitions supporting their run — 50 signatures for state House races, 100 for state Senate, 500 for governor and lieutenant governor, and 1,000 for presidential candidates. That would have been a high bar for the Boiling Frog Party to hop over, because it has barely that many fans on Facebook, much less in Vermont.

But the legislature scrapped the signature requirements this year, worried that candidates going door-to-door — themselves included — might become COVID19 super-spreaders.

To get on the Vermont ballot, candidates needed only to be registered voters.

(Major-party candidates also had to pay a $2,000 fee, but others didn’t.)

Eric Covey, chief of staff for Secretary of State Jim Condos, said the signature waiver “may have incentivized more people” to run for office, though he notes that the phenomenon is largely limited to the “abnormal number of independent candidates” in the presidential field.

“The trade-off for that was the protection of the public health during the height of a very contagious global pandemic,” he said.

Many states have grappled with the signature-gathering requirement for candidates and ballot initiatives during the pandemic, with several waiving or amending their rules. Some states have experimented with allowing electronic signature gathering, in some cases prompting lawsuits.

Having a ballot chock-full of candidates with little or no shot at winning “does

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seem kind of silly,” acknowledged Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham), the chair of the Senate Committee on Government Operations, which deals with legislation related to election rules.

While it may be confusing to have so many largely unknown candidates on the ballot, White nevertheless feels that, when it comes to barriers to voting and running for public office, the fewer the better.

The Vermont Constitution sets the bar pretty low, White noted. It provides that “all voters, having a sufficient, evident, common interest with, and attachment to the community, have a right to elect officers, and be elected into office.”

“It doesn’t say that you have to have name recognition or a lot of money or anything else,” she said.

That’s good news for Paige. He knows he has even less chance of winning the presidency than he did of winning any of the 12 other Vermont primaries and general elections he’s participated in since 2012.

In fact, he has zero chance, given that he’s only on the ballot in Vermont. His is a protest candidacy. He and his cousin, Tom Witman of Georgia, have labeled their lost-cause party the GOP — Grumpy Old Patriots.

“I would legitimately like to win, but I know that I’m not going to,” Paige said.

Instead, he said, he joined the race to make the point that no one like him should be allowed to run for president in the first place. “I have been required to do nothing to get on the ballot, and I think that’s a problem,” Paige said. “It’s a rude insult to the election process.”

Some may view Paige’s habit of running for multiple offices similarly.

In addition to president, Paige is also running as the Republican candidate for attorney general and secretary of state.

And he’s not the only one running for multiple offices: Perennial candidate Cris Ericson is on the ballot for five of them as a representative of the Progressive Party.

Party officials disavow Ericson’s politics and denounce her campaigns as an opportunistic abuse of the state’s waiver of the signature requirement.

Sen. Anthony Pollina (P/D-Washington), chair of the Progressive Party, called her candidacies “a joke.” Josh Wronski, the party’s executive director, told Seven Days the Chester resident is clearly not a Progressive and would never have received sufficient signatures to appear on the ballot in a normal year. “It’s a little bit embarrassing,” Wronski said, “but I would put it more on the annoying side of embarrassing.”

The party, which aligns closely with Democrats, has intentionally not stood candidates for every possible race, but it may look to run a full slate of candidates in future elections to avoid the current confusion, Wronski said.

Covey pointed out that running for multiple offices is legal, though state law doesn’t allow candidates to hold “incompatible” posts simultaneously. If someone were to run for and win two incompatible offices, they would need to choose which to accept.

Offices deemed incompatible are governor, lieutenant governor, justice of the Supreme Court, treasurer, senator, representative, surveyor general and sheriff.

Not all offices are on that list. Weird as it sounds, the governor could technically also be the auditor, and a member of the House of Representatives could legally serve as secretary of state.

In fact, a similar scenario could have come to pass this year. Rep. Linda Joy Sullivan (D-Dorset) challenged Auditor Doug Hoffer in the Democratic primary in August and lost. Had she won and defeated Ericson in the general election, she could have served as auditor while keeping her House seat.

Whether that would have been appropriate or not, White wouldn’t say. The state has tightened restrictions on people who seek multiple offices, requiring them — in normal years — to submit petitions for each office they seek. She noted that when the pandemic is over, candidates will likely be required to collect signatures again.

“We need to take elections seriously,” White said, “but also I don’t know what kind of restrictions we would put on to make sure that people didn’t run who weren’t serious.”

IN 2016, THERE WERE SEVEN CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT ON VERMONT BALLOTS.

THIS YEAR THERE ARE 21.

“Now more than ever, we need every Vermonter at the table as we work to build a brighter future for our state.”

- Molly Gray

DEMOCRAT FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Proudly endorsed by: U.S. SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY, CONGRESSMAN PETER WELCH, GOVERNOR MADELEINE KUNIN, GOVERNOR HOWARD DEAN GOVERNOR PETER SHUMLIN, LT. GOVERNOR DOUG RACINE, LT. GOVERNOR AND FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN PETER SMITH, MARY POWELL, FORMER CEO, GMP SHEILA AND JEFFREY HOLLENDER, CO-FOUNDERS, SEVENTH GENERATION

“TO VOTE, VOTE, Paid for by Molly Gray for Vermont Treasurer Mary Kehoe, P.O. Box 8295, Burlington, VT, 05402

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Erin Dupuis YOU’VE GOT

9/28/20 11:06 AM

VERMONT REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Dependable, valued experience and integrity.

A Realtor you trust.

THAT'S IT; THAT'S THEcan WAY WE MOVE

VOTE, VOTE. ®

”

FORWARD. THAT'S HOW WE MAKE PROGRESS FOR OURSELVES AND FOR OUR COUNTRY. Erin Dupuis MICHELLE OBAMA ...

VERMONT REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Dependable, valued experience and integrity.

A Realtor you can trust.

Erin Dupuis

802.310.3669 erin@vermontrealestatecompany.com vermontrealestatecompany.com 431 Pine St. Suite 118 Burlington, VT 05401 ®

802.310.3669 erin@vermontrealestatecompany.com vermontrealestatecompany.com 431 Pine St. Suite 118 Burlington, VT 05401 4T-EDupuis032520.indd 1

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

11

9/28/20 3/24/20 11:04 12:57 AM PM

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★

The Dos and Don’ts of Picking a Candidate

G

ood news: There’s a ton of easily accessible information out there to help you make your choices in this election. It’s never been easier to be an informed voter.

And now the bad news: It’s also never been easier to spread false and misleading information, especially online. Here are some tips for tuning in to the signal and tuning out the noise as you weigh your options.

© MADPIXBLUE/DREAMSTIME.COM

DO study the candidates’ websites and campaign materials.

Are the issues they emphasize related to the responsibilities of the office they seek?

DO look at endorsements.

Who supports the candidate, and why?

DON’T just do

eeny-meeny-miny-mo.

Seriously?

DO look at fact-based media coverage Analysis and opinion editorials may validate your views, but it’s important to consider fact-based journalism, as well.

Local media outlets employ journalists and editors, and often proofreaders and fact-checkers, who verify what is published or broadcast. Locally, try reading Seven Days or your community newspaper in print or online, browsing VTDigger.org, listening to Vermont Public Radio, and watching the morning or evening news on TV. Both VTDigger and VPR also produced 2020 election guides that are freely accessible online, at vtdigger.org and vpr.org.

12

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

DO read your Front Porch Forum email newsletter.

Lots of candidates, especially those running for local office, use this community-building service to share information and campaign events.

Just remember that there are no editors or fact-checkers, and your neighbors might not be the most reliable narrators. Sign up for free at frontporchforum.com.

DON’T believe everything you see on social media.

Before you like, comment on or share

DON’T vote for someone just because you like their name.

C’mon, really?

something, stop and ask yourself: Who created this, and why? Is it accurate? Has anyone else replied in the comments with a fact-check? Take a few seconds to search for credible sources reporting the same thing. In a graphic

entitled “Sanitize Before You Share,” the News Literacy Project also recommends asking the person who shared the post for the original source. “Raising this where others can see it lets them know the claim is questionable.”

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

LIKE OPTIONS?

PAMALA SMITH

DO reach out to the candidates themselves

— digitally, on the phone or in person.

Especially this year, Vermont candidates and their staff and volunteers are eager to connect with voters.

RE-ELECT

Independent Candidate for Secretary of State

State Representative

www.whatsthenarrative.com Paid for by Pamala Smith for Secretary of State

Say you saw it in...

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9/18/20 2:37 PM

agree with, and maybe even some you don’t.

They often endorse or rate lawmakers on their views and voting records. Here are just a few local examples: Let’s Grow Kids, which advocates for high-quality childcare; the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, which support businesses and industry; Gun Owners of Vermont, which fights for Second Amendment rights; Gun Sense Vermont, a group supporting gun-control legislation; Vermont Right to Life, which rallies against abortion and physician-assisted suicide; Planned Parenthood, which promotes reproductive health and rights; Vermont Public Interest Research Group, a consumer and environmental advocacy organization; and theEthan Allen Institute, a freemarket think tank.

DO talk to your friends, family or

people you trust about issues that concern you, even if you disagree.

You might learn something by listening, or sharpen your own views by articulating them.

DON’T feel that you have to vote in every race.

If you don’t feel you can make an informed choice on a particular race or ballot item, it’s OK to skip it. You won’t spoil your ballot.

DO watch or listen to debates.

Debate season has already begun; the presidential candidates have two more head-to-head match-ups, on October 15 and 22. The vice presidential candidates will square off on October 7. Vermont PBS and

VPR typically host debates between mini-sawit-black.indd candidates for statewide office. So does VTDigger. Community newspapers and public access cable channels often host debates for Senate and House candidates. Sometimes advocacy groups do, too.

1

DON’T let anyone convince you

that your vote doesn’t matter.

Did you know that Sen. Bernie Sanders won his first election — for mayor of Burlington — by just 10 votes? Every single vote really does count.

DO CHECK THESE OUT Our information landscape is shifting too rapidly for regulators to keep up.

As a result, social media companies such as Facebook and YouTube have become conduits for disinformation campaigns and outrageous conspiracy theories that threaten our democracy.

The best way to protect yourself — and the rest of us — is to learn how to spot this stuff and avoid spreading it. These nonpartisan media literacy resources will help:

NEWS LITERACY PROJECT, a national nonprofit organization that helps educate and cultivate informed readers and active participants in democracy, at newslit.org “YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION,” a podcast from the Center for Humane Technology that chronicles what’s wrong with our information environment, why it evolved the way it did and how to fix it, at your-undividedattention.simplecast.com.

THE SOCIAL DILEMMA, a new Netflix documentary that explains how social media algorithms and artificial intelligence are influencing our minds and our actions, at neflix.com.

COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT • EQUITY Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Carol Ode,

sevendaysvt.com

DO research interest groups you

Carol Ode 229 Appletree Point Rd, Burlington, VT 05408

11/24/09 1:33:19 PM VG12V-CarolOde093020.indd 1

9/25/20 12:47 PM

BE AN

INFORMED VOTER

WATCH CANDIDATE FORUMS

TUNE IN

BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE

Comcast channel 1087, BT channel 17 & 217 or LIVE on youtube.com/townmeetingtv VG6h-CCTV17-093020.indd 1

9/21/20 2:02 PM

Love local news?

Get every single story Seven Days has published in the past 24 hours delivered to your inbox each morning.

Sign up at sevendaysvt.com/enews VG6HFiller072220.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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7/21/20 2:38 PM

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Candidates for nationwide, statewide and legislative offices The following candidates appear on the general election ballot for these nationwide, statewide and legislative offices. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. Information was provided by the candidates. Candidates for high bailiff can be found online at sos.vermont.gov.

STATE SENATOR ADDISON Vote for no more than TWO.

Christopher Bray (D)* BRISTOL

CHITTENDEN

Vote for no more than TWO.

Phil Baruth (D/P)*

Wayne Billado III (I)

BURLINGTON

Susan Bowen (R) SHELBURNE

Tom Chastenay (R) MILTON

Peter Briggs (R) ADDISON

Jon Christiano (R) NEW HAVEN

Archie Flower (L) HANCOCK

Ruth Hardy (D)* MIDDLEBURY

BENNINGTON Vote for no more than TWO.

Brian Campion (D)* BENNINGTON

Thomas Chittenden (D) SOUTH BURLINGTON

James Ehlers (I) WINOOSKI

Kylie Hollingsworth (R) MILTON

Kumulia “Kase” Long (R) MILTON

Virginia “Ginny” Lyons (D)*

Michael “Mike” Hall (R)

WILLISTON

Meg Hansen (R)

BURLINGTON

Kevin Hoyt (I)

BURLINGTON

Dick Sears (D)*

BURLINGTON

SUNDERLAND MANCHESTER BENNINGTON BENNINGTON

CALEDONIA Vote for no more than TWO.

Joe Benning (R)* LYNDON

Matthew Choate (D) DANVILLE

J.T. Dodge (L) NEWBURY

Jane Kitchel (D)* DANVILLE

Charles W. Wilson (R) LYNDON

FRANKLIN

Vote for no more than SIX.

Christopher Pearson (P/D)* Kesha Ram (D) Ericka Redic (R) Dean Rolland (R) HINESBURG

Michael Sirotkin (D)*

SOUTH BURLINGTON

ESSEX-ORLEANS Vote for no more than TWO.

Ron Horton (D) JAY

Russ Ingalls (R) NEWPORT CITY

Jonathan L. Morin (R) HOLLAND

John S. Rodgers (I) GLOVER

Robert Starr (D)* TROY

ST. ALBANS CITY

Randy Brock (R/D)* SWANTON

Chloe Collins (P) SWANTON

Corey Parent (R/D)* ST. ALBANS TOWN

Luke Richter (P) ALBURGH

GRAND ISLE Vote for no more than ONE.

Richard “Dick” Mazza (D/R)* COLCHESTER

LAMOILLE Vote for no more than ONE.

Richard A. Westman (R/D)* CAMBRIDGE

ORANGE Vote for no more than ONE.

Bill T. Huff (R) THETFORD

Mark A. MacDonald (D)* WILLIAMSTOWN

RUTLAND Vote for no more than THREE.

Brittany D. Cavacas (I) RUTLAND CITY

Brian “BC” Collamore (R)* RUTLAND TOWN

Larry Courcelle (D) MENDON

Greg Cox (D) WEST RUTLAND

Cheryl M. Hooker (D)*

PRESIDENTIAL

RACE Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris (D)

Alyson Kennedy and Malcolm Jarrett (SOCIALIST WORKERS) TEXAS AND PENNSYLVANIA

Kyle Kenley Kopitke and Taja Yvonne Iwanow (I) MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN

DELAWARE AND CALIFORNIA

Don Blankenship and Bill Mohr (CONSTITUTION) WEST VIRGINIA AND MICHIGAN

Brian Carroll and Amar Patel

Christopher Lafontaine and Michael Speed (I) VERMONT AND CALIFORNIA

Gloria Lariva and Sunil Freeman (LIBERTY UNION) CALIFORNIA AND MARYLAND

Keith McCormic and Sam Blasiak (BULL MOOSE)

(AMERICAN SOLIDARITY) CALIFORNIA AND ILLINOIS

Phil Collins and Billy Joe Parker

TEXAS AND MASSACHUSETTS

H. Brooke Paige and Thomas James Witman

(PROHIBITION) WISCONSIN AND GEORGIA

(GRUMPY OLD PATRIOTS)

Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente and Darcy G. Richardson (ALLIANCE)

VERMONT AND GEORGIA

Brock Pierce and Karla Ballard (UNAFFILIATED) PUERTO RICO AND PENNSYLVANIA

CALIFORNIA AND FLORIDA

Zachary Scalf and Matthew Lyda (I)

Richard Duncan and Mitch Bupp (I)

GEORGIA AND GEORGIA

OHIO AND VIRGINIA

Jerome Segal and John De Graaf

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker (GREEN)

(BREAD AND ROSES) MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON

NEW YORK AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Gary Swing and David Olszta

Blake Huber and Frank Atwood

(BOILING FROG) COLORADO AND HAWAII

Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence (R)*

(APPROVAL VOTING) COLORADO AND COLORADO

Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy “Spike” Cohen (L)

FLORIDA AND INDIANA

Kanye West and Michelle Tidball (I)

SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA

WYOMING AND WYOMING

RUTLAND CITY

Casey Jennings (I) RUTLAND CITY

Richard “Sensei” Lenchus (I) BENSON

Michael Shank (I) BRANDON

Joshua C. Terenzini (R) RUTLAND TOWN

14

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

Terry K. Williams (R) POULTNEY

* = INCUMBENT

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ WASHINGTON Vote for no more than THREE.

Ken Alger (R) BARRE TOWN

Ann Cummings (D)* MONTPELIER

STATE REPRESENTATIVE ADDISON-1 Middlebury

Andrew Perchlik (D/P)*

Vote for no more than TWO.

Anthony Pollina (P/D)*

MIDDLEBURY

MONTPELIER

MIDDLESEX

Dawnmarie Tomasi (R) BARRE TOWN

Dwayne Tucker (R) BARRE TOWN

Paul Vallerand (I) BARRE TOWN

WINDHAM Vote for no more than TWO.

Becca Balint (D)* BRATTLEBORO

Tyler Colford (I) WHITINGHAM

John Lyddy (R) WHITINGHAM

Marcus R. Parish (R) ROCKINGHAM

Jeanette White (D)* PUTNEY

WINDSOR Vote for no more than THREE.

Alison H. Clarkson (D)* WOODSTOCK

Michael Jasinski Sr. (R) SPRINGFIELD

Richard J. “Dick” McCormack (D)* BETHEL

Alice W. Nitka (D/R)* LUDLOW

Keith Stern (I) SPRINGFIELD

Mason Wade (I) ROCHESTER

Doug Wilberding (I) NORWICH

Jack Williams (R) WEATHERSFIELD

Thomas A. Hughes (R) Robin Scheu (D)* MIDDLEBURY

Amy Sheldon (D)* MIDDLEBURY

ADDISON-2 Cornwall, Goshen, Hancock, Leicester, Ripton, Salisbury

STATEWIDE

RACES GOVERNOR

bethpearce.com

Vote for no more than TWO.

berry2020.net

Christopher Helali (COMMUNIST)

Alex Wright (I)

Charly Dickerson (UNAFFILIATED) MONTPELIER

Kevin Hoyt (I) BENNINGTON

PUTNEY

ESSEX

BARRE CITY

NEWPORT CITY

VERSHIRE

ESSEX

christopherhelali.com

SECRETARY OF STATE

BARRE CITY

jimcondos.com

Jerry Trudell (I)

WESTON

ST. GEORGE

jerryforvermont.com

CHESTER

Phil Scott (R)*

politics2020.org

H. Brooke Paige (R)

BERLIN

philscott.org

Erynn Hazlett Whitney (I)

WASHINGTON

VERGENNES

David Zuckerman (P/D)

ST. ALBANS CITY

Tim Buskey (R)

HINESBURG

zuckermanforvt.com

Diane Lanpher (D)*

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS

Steve Thurston (R) FERRISBURGH

ADDISON-4 Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, Starksboro Vote for no more than TWO.

Mari Cordes (D/P)* LINCOLN

Doug Hoffer (D/R)* BURLINGTON

hofferforauditor.com

ATTORNEY GENERAL

(BANISH THE F35S) WALLINGFORD

Cris Ericson (P)

T.J. Donovan (D)*

CHESTER

SOUTH BURLINGTON

politics2020.org BURLINGTON

Caleb Elder (D)*

mollyforvermont.com

Valerie Mullin (R)

POMFRET

STARKSBORO

politics2020.org

Ralph Corbo

BRISTOL

whatsthenarrative.com

CHESTER

ST. ALBANS CITY

Molly Gray (D)

welchforcongress.com

Cris Ericson (P)

Wayne Billado III (I)

Lynn Dike (R)

NORWICH

Pamala Smith (I)

ARLINGTON

VERGENNES

Peter Welch (D)*

brookepaige.us

Matt Birong (D)* ADDISON

horneforcongress.com

Shawn Orr (I)

Cris Ericson (P)

emilypeyton.com

Marcia Horne (I)

Jim Condos (D)* MONTPELIER

(TRUTH MATTERS)

Peter R. Becker (I) Miriam Berry (R)

politics2020.org

Michael A. Devost (I)

REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS RUTLAND CITY

CHESTER

Beth Pearce (D)*

Peter Conlon (D)*

Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, Waltham

GEORGIA

ST. ALBANS CITY

Emily Peyton

ADDISON-3

Carolyn Whitney Branagan (R) Cris Ericson (P)

Wayne Billado III (I)

Vote for no more than ONE. CORNWALL

STATE TREASURER

donovanforvermont.com

Cris Ericson (P) CHESTER

politics2020.org

Scott Milne (R)

H. Brooke Paige (R) WASHINGTON

brookepaige.us

MONKTON

ADDISON-5 Bridport, New Haven, Weybridge

Vote for no more than ONE.

Jubilee McGill (D/P) BRIDPORT

Harvey T. Smith (R)* NEW HAVEN

FILE: MARC NADEL

ADDISON-RUTLAND Benson, Orwell, Shoreham, Whiting Vote for no more than ONE.

Ruth Shattuck Bernstein (D) SHOREHAM

Richard “Sensei” Lenchus (I) BENSON

Terry Norris (I)* SHOREHAM

BENNINGTON-1 Pownal, Woodford

Vote for no more than ONE.

Nelson Brownell (D)* POWNAL

BENNINGTON-2-1 Bennington

Vote for no more than TWO.

Timothy R. Corcoran II (D)* BENNINGTON

Colleen Harrington (R) BENNINGTON

Dane Whitman (D) BENNINGTON

BENNINGTON-2-2 Bennington

Jim Carroll (D)* BENNINGTON

Mary A. Morrissey (R)* BENNINGTON

Michael Nigro (D) BENNINGTON

Vote for no more than TWO.

Peter J. Brady Sr. (I) BENNINGTON

CONTINUED SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

» P.17 15

View Activities at

GOODCITIZENVT.COM

Powered by:

Jeffersonville fourth-grader Sophia Rodriguez drew this poster encouraging adults to vote for the September Good Citizen Challenge, a youth civics initiative organized by Kids VT and Seven Days. Kids can’t vote, but they can learn to be good citizens by studying history, government and news literacy, and by helping their communities! Find out more about the Good Citizen Challenge at GOODCITIZENVT.COM.

With support from:

Evslin Family Foundation

16

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINUED FROM P.15

BENNINGTON-3 Glastonbury, Shaftsbury, Sunderland Vote for no more than ONE.

David K. Durfee (D)* SHAFTSBURY

Victor K. Harwood Jr. (R) SHAFTSBURY

BENNINGTON-4 Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate

Vote for no more than TWO.

Seth Bongartz (D) MANCHESTER

Cynthia Browning (I)* ARLINGTON

Kathleen James (D)* MANCHESTER

BENNINGTONRUTLAND Danby, Dorset, Landgrove, Mount Tabor, Peru Vote for no more than ONE.

Linda Joy Sullivan (D/R)* DORSET

CALEDONIA-1 Barnet, Ryegate, Waterford Vote for no more than ONE.

Marcia Robinson Martel (R)* WATERFORD

Dylan Stetson (P) WATERFORD

CALEDONIA-2

CALEDONIA-3

Jericho, Underhill

Scott Beck (R)*

Tomas Cummings (I)

Vote for no more than TWO. ST. JOHNSBURY

Scott Campbell (D)* ST. JOHNSBURY

Frank Empsall (R) ST. JOHNSBURY

Brice C. Simon (D) ST. JOHNSBURY

CALEDONIA-4 Burke, Lyndon, Sutton

Vote for no more than TWO.

Martha “Marty” Feltus (R)* LYNDON

David Hammond (D) BURKE

Dennis R. Labounty (D) LYNDON

Patrick Seymour (R)* SUTTON

CALEDONIAWASHINGTON Cabot, Danville, Peacham Vote for no more than ONE.

Bruce A. Melendy (R) DANVILLE

Henry Pearl (D) DANVILLE

CHITTENDEN-1 Richmond

Vote for no more than ONE.

Jana Brown (D) RICHMOND

Terry Moultroup (I) RICHMOND

CHITTENDEN-2

Hardwick, Stannard, Walden

Williston

James Clark (R)

Erin Brady (D)

Vote for no more than ONE. WALDEN

Chip Troiano (D)* STANNARD

CHITTENDEN-3

St. Johnsbury

Vote for no more than TWO. WILLISTON

Jim McCullough (D)* WILLISTON

Anthony “Tony” O’Rourke (R) WILLISTON

Vote for no more than TWO.

JERICHO

Paul Gross (R) JERICHO

Benjamin Mutolo (R) UNDERHILL

Trevor J. Squirrell (D)* UNDERHILL

George Till (D)* JERICHO

CHITTENDEN-4-1 Charlotte

Jill Krowinski (D)*

John Killacky (D)*

Vote for no more than TWO. BURLINGTON

Curt McCormack (D)* BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-6-4 Burlington (University of Vermont)

Vote for no more than TWO.

Brian Cina (P/D)* BURLINGTON

Selene Colburn (P/D)* BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-6-5

Michael “Mike” Yantachka (D)*

Burlington (South End)

CHARLOTTE

CHITTENDEN-4-2 Hinesburg

Vote for no more than ONE.

Bill Lippert (D)* HINESBURG

Sarah Toscano (R) HINESBURG

CHITTENDEN-5-1 Shelburne

Vote for no more than ONE.

Kate Webb (D)* SHELBURNE

CHITTENDEN-5-2 St. George, Shelburne

Vote for no more than ONE.

Jessica Brumsted (D)* SHELBURNE

CHITTENDEN-6-1 Burlington (New North End)

Vote for no more than TWO.

Robert Hooper (D)* BURLINGTON

Carol Ode (D)* BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-6-2 Burlington (West)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Emma MulvaneyStanak (P/D)

CHITTENDEN-7-3 South Burlington (Kennedy Dr.)

Vote for no more than ONE.

BURLINGTON

* = INCUMBENT

CHITTENDEN-6-3 Burlington (Old North End)

Vote for no more than TWO.

Tiff Bluemle (D) BURLINGTON

Tom Licata (I) BURLINGTON

Gabrielle Stebbins (D) BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-6-6 Burlington (Hill Section)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Barbara Rachelson (D/P)* BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-6-7 Winooski, Burlington (Riverside)

Vote for no more than TWO.

Hal Colston (D)* WINOOSKI

James Ehlers (I) WINOOSKI

Taylor Small (P/D) WINOOSKI

CHITTENDEN-7-1 Burlington (Queen City Park)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Martin Lalonde (D)*

SOUTH BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-7-2 Burlington (Route 116)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Steve Fisher (R)

Vote for no more than TWO.

Vote for no more than ONE. SOUTH BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-7-4 South Burlington

Vote for no more than ONE.

Maida F. Townsend (D)* SOUTH BURLINGTON

CHITTENDEN-8-1

Seth Chase (D)* COLCHESTER

Deserae Morin (R) COLCHESTER

Curt Taylor (D)* COLCHESTER

Doug Wood (R) COLCHESTER

CHITTENDEN-9-2 Colchester

Vote for no more than TWO.

Essex Junction

Vote for no more than TWO.

V. Chase (L)

Sarita Austin (D)* COLCHESTER

Patrick Brennan (R)*

ESSEX

Maryse B. Dunbar (R)

COLCHESTER

Jon Lynch (R)

ESSEX

Thomas M. Nelson (R)

COLCHESTER

CHITTENDEN-10

ESSEX

Milton

Marybeth Redmond (D)*

Vote for no more than TWO.

Todd Buik (P)

ESSEX

Tanya Vyhovsky (P/D) ESSEX

CHITTENDEN-8-2 Essex Junction

Vote for no more than TWO.

Edmond J. Daudelin (R)

MILTON

Ember Quinn (D) MILTON

Emily Hecker (D) MILTON

Chris Mattos (R)* MILTON

John Palasik (R)* MILTON

ESSEX

Karen Dolan (D) ESSEX

Brett L. Gaskill (R) ESSEX

Lori Houghton (D)* ESSEX

CHITTENDEN-8-3 Essex, Westford

Vote for no more than ONE.

Robert L. Bancroft (R)*

ESSEX-CALEDONIA Brunswick, Concord, Guildhall, Granby, Kirby, Lunenburg, Maidstone, Victory Vote for no more than ONE.

Clement “Clem” Bissonnette (D) GUILDHALL

Terri Lynn Williams (R) GRANBY

WESTFORD

Alyssa Black (D) ESSEX

Andy Watts (I) ESSEX

CHITTENDEN-9-1 Colchester

ESSEX-CALEDONIAORLEANS (15 towns)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Martha W. Allen (D) CANAAN

Paul Lefebvre (I) NEWARK

SOUTH BURLINGTON

Ann Pugh (D)* SOUTH BURLINGTON

CONTINUED SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

» P.19 17

A familiar voice with a new perspective

We’ve got you covered!

— PLEASE VOTE FOR —

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Democrat for State Senate

Background & Qualifications

rand Guidelines - Logo & Icon • 3 Term South Burlington City Councilor • University of Vermont Faculty Senate President • Green Mountain Transit Board Chair & Vice Chair • Lifelong Community Volunteer

Priorities • • •

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Thomas Chittenden is a dynamic leader who knows how to build consensus.

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He will be a great addition to the Chittenden County Senate.

– Ann Pugh

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Thomas is the right person to help us move forward in a positive way.

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He listens to all viewpoints and forges a conciliatory path forward.

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Thomas has a proven public service track record and represents the next generation of civic leaders.

– Jamie Heins

9/25/20 1:00 PM

Ir

Tom Chittenden is a leader for both working people and the environment in everything he does.

– Curt McCormack

VG4T-3squares093020.indd 1

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His legislative priorities are very timely and reflect what Vermont needs.

– Martin LaLonde

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We need leaders like Thomas now more than ever.

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Endorsements

End The Wars.

End The Wars.

Vote Vote Communist.

Communist.

Vote Christopher Helali.

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CANIDATE CANIDATE FOR FOR VERMONT’S VERMONT’S AT-LARGE AT-LARGE CONGRESSIONAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DISTRICT Workers theWorld, World,Unite!

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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9/23/20 10:04 AM

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STATE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINUED FROM P.17

FRANKLIN-1 Georgia

Vote for no more than ONE.

Ben Chiappinelli (I) GEORGIA

Carl Rosenquist (R)* GEORGIA

FRANKLIN-2 Fairfax

Vote for no more than ONE.

Barbara Smith Murphy (I) FAIRFAX

FRANKLIN-3-1 St. Albans

Vote for no more than TWO.

Wanye Billado III (I) ST. ALBANS CITY

Bruce F. Cheeseman (R) ST. ALBANS TOWN

David Glidden (D) ST. ALBANS CITY

Mike McCarthy (D)* ST. ALBANS CITY

Casey Toof (R)* ST. ALBANS TOWN

FRANKLIN-3-2 St. Albans

Vote for no more than ONE.

Eileen “Lynn” Dickinson (R/D)* ST. ALBANS TOWN

FRANKLIN-4 Sheldon, Swanton

Vote for no more than TWO.

Nicholas A. Brosseau (D) SWANTON

Robert W. Norris (R) SHELDON

Brian K. Savage (R/D)* SWANTON

FRANKLIN-5

LAMOILLE-2

ORANGE-2

Berkshire, Franklin, Highgate, Richford

Belvidere, Hyde Park, Johnson, Wolcott

Bradford, Fairlee, West Fairlee

Charen Fegard (D)*

Richard J. Bailey (R)

Sarah Copeland Hanzas (D)*

Vote for no more than TWO. BERKSHIRE

Lisa A. Hango (R)* BERKSHIRE

Paul Martin (R) FRANKLIN

Daniel Nadeau (D) HIGHGATE

FRANKLIN-6 Bakersfield, Fairfield, Fletcher

Vote for no more than ONE.

James Gregoire (R/D)* FAIRFIELD

FRANKLIN-7 Enosburgh, Montgomery

Vote for no more than ONE.

Felisha Rose Leffler (R)* ENOSBURGH

Dennis A. Williams (P/D) ENOSBURGH

GRAND ISLECHITTENDEN Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle La Motte, Milton, North Hero, South Hero Vote for no more than TWO.

Mitzi Johnson (D)* SOUTH HERO

Andy Julow (D) NORTH HERO

Leland J. Morgan (R)* MILTON

Michael R. Morgan (R) MILTON

LAMOILLE-1 Stowe

Vote for no more than ONE.

Jo Sabel Courtney (D) STOWE

Heidi E. Scheuermann (R)* STOWE

Vote for no more than TWO.

HYDE PARK

Kate Donnally (D) HYDE PARK

Daniel Noyes (D)* WOLCOTT

Shayne Spence (R) JOHNSON

LAMOILLE-3 Cambridge, Waterville

Vote for no more than ONE.

Lucy Rogers (D)* WATERVILLE

Ferron Wambold (R) CAMBRIDGE

LAMOILLEWASHINGTON Elmore, Morristown, Woodbury, Worcester

Vote for no more than TWO.

Shannara Johnson (R) MORRISTOWN

Vote for no more than ONE.

BRADFORD

Zachary Michael Lang (R) BRADFORD

ORANGE-CALEDONIA Groton, Newbury, Topsham Vote for no more than ONE.

Joe Parsons (R) NEWBURY

Kelsey RootWinchester (D) NEWBURY

ORANGEWASHINGTONADDISON Brookfield, Braintree, Granville, Randolph, Roxbury

Vote for no more than TWO.

Kevin P. Doering (I) RANDOLPH

Jay Hooper (D)*

Tyler Machia (R)

RANDOLPH

Avram Patt (D)*

BRAINTREE

David Yacovone (D)*

BRAINTREE

MORRISTOWN WORCESTER

MORRISTOWN

ORANGE-1 Chelsea, Corinth, Orange, Vershire, Washington, Williamstown Vote for no more than TWO.

Samantha Lefebvre (R) ORANGE

Kate Maclean (D) CHELSEA

Rama Schneider (I) WILLIAMSTOWN

Charles Russell (R) RANDOLPH

Larry Satcowitz (D) RANDOLPH

ORLEANS-1 Vote for no more than TWO.

DERBY

Brian Smith (R/D)* DERBY

ORLEANS-2 Coventry, Irasburg, Newport, Troy

Vote for no more than TWO.

CRAFTSBURY

Vote for no more than TWO.

William “Bill” Canfield (R)* FAIR HAVEN

Robert “Bob” Helm (R)* FAIR HAVEN

Vicki Strong (R)*

FAIR HAVEN

Jeannine A. Young (R)*

Rutland

Robert “Bob” Richards (D)

CRAFTSBURY ALBANY

RUTLAND-4 Vote for no more than ONE.

CRAFTSBURY

ORLEANS-LAMOILLE Jay, Eden, Lowell, Troy, Westfield

Vote for no more than ONE.

Mark A. Higley (R/D)*

Barbara Noyes Pulling (D) RUTLAND TOWN

Thomas Terenzini (R)* RUTLAND TOWN

RUTLAND-5-1 Rutland

LOWELL

Vote for no more than ONE.

RUTLANDBENNINGTON

Peter J. Fagan (R)*

Middletown Springs, Pawlet, Rupert, Tinmouth, Wells

RUTLAND CITY

Sally Achey (R)

Vote for no more than ONE.

Robin ChesnutTangerman (P/D)* MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS

RUTLAND-1

Tyler-Joseph Ballard (I) POULTNEY

Patricia A. McCoy (R)*

RUTLAND-5-3

John P. Cioffi Jr. (R) RUTLAND CITY

Mary E. Howard (D)* RUTLAND-5-4 Rutland

RUTLAND-2 Clarendon, Proctor, Tinmouth, Wallingford, West Rutland

Vote for no more than TWO.

Tom Burditt (R)* WEST RUTLAND

Ken Fredette (D)

Vote for no more than ONE.

William Notte (D)* RUTLAND CITY

Sherri Prouty (R) RUTLAND CITY

RUTLAND-6 Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury Vote for no more than TWO.

Arthur Peterson (R)

Stephanie Z. Jerome (D)*

Dave Potter (D)* CLARENDON

RUTLAND CITY

RUTLAND CITY

POULTNEY

CLARENDON

Larry “Cooper” Cupoli (R)*

Vote for no more than ONE.

Vote for no more than ONE.

Woodman “Woody” H. Page (R/D)*

RUTLAND-5-2 Rutland

Rutland

Ira, Poultney

WALLINGFORD

COVENTRY

RUTLAND-3 Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, West Haven

Katherine Sims (D)

Michael J. Marcotte (R/D)*

NEWPORT CITY

* = INCUMBENT

Frank Huard (I)

MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS

Lynn D. Batchelor (R)*

WILLIAMSTOWN

CRAFTSBURY

Joseph Roche (R)

Carl Demrow (D)* Rodney Graham (R)*

John Elwell (D)

Peter Reed (I)*

Brownington, Charleston, Derby, Holland, Morgan

CORINTH

Vote for no more than TWO.

Vote for no more than ONE.

Susan Hatch Davis (P) WASHINGTON

ORLEANS-CALEDONIA Albany, Barton, Craftsbury, Glover, Greensboro, Sheffield, Wheelock

BRANDON

Charles “Butch” Shaw (R/D)* PITTSFORD

David Soulia (R) PITTSFORD

CONTINUED SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

» P.21 19

“THE QUALITY OF DEMOCRACY AND THE QUALITY OF JOURNALISM ARE DEEPLY ENTWINED.” BILL MOYERS

MARKET RESEARCH

SHOWS MUST GO ON

How new regulations have changed farmers markets

COMPROMISED REPOSITION

Tips for ing live-stream concerts

PAGE 42

Del Pozo a voice for cop refor m?

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George Floyd’s death spurs Vermonters to call for police reform

VER MON

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BLAME GAME

MEDICINE MAN Vaccine

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WHITHER WOODSIDE? DISASTER PREP

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The lates 38 PAGE t on PAGE 18 the troubled juvie cente demic r

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POWER OF TWO

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Clemmons,

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Will aid boost broadband in VT? PAGE 13

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VERMONT’S INDEPENDENT VOICE MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020 VOL.25 NO.35 SEVENDAYSVT.COM

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COMPROMISED SITUATION Living with chronic

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FOLLOW THE MONEY

NEW! BOTTOM LINE

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A weekly read on VT business

XX ALL FRESCO

Xx

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illness in the pandem

THE WRIGHT CHOICE Controversy over drive-in

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concert

SUMMER ISSUE INSIDE!

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Outdoor-only dining at restos AUGUST 2020 PARENTS FACE TOUGH CHOICES

LESSON PLANS PAGE 13

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Montpelier endurance athlet e and advocate Mirna Valerio is taking up space

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINUED FROM P.19

WASHINGTON-3 Barre City

Vote for no more than TWO.

Peter D. Anthony (D)* BARRE CITY

RUTLANDWINDSOR-1

Karen Lauzon (R)

Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington, Mendon Vote for no more than ONE.

Jim Harrison (R/D)*

John Steinman (R) BARRE CITY

Tommy Walz (D)* BARRE CITY

CHITTENDEN

WASHINGTON-4

RUTLANDWINDSOR-2

Montpelier

Vote for no more than TWO.

Ludlow, Mount Holly, Shrewsbury

Vote for no more than ONE.

Logan Nicoll (D)* LUDLOW

WASHINGTON-1

Mary S. Hooper (D)* MONTPELIER

Warren Kitzmiller (D)* MONTPELIER

Berlin, Northfield

Vote for no more than TWO.

Gordon Bock (BERLIN-NORTHFIELD ALLIANCE)

Glennie Fitzgerald Sewell (P) MONTPELIER

WASHINGTON-5

NORTHFIELD

Anne B. Donahue (R)*

East Montpelier, Middlesex Vote for no more than ONE.

Kimberly Jessup (D)*

NORTHFIELD

Kenneth W. Goslant (R)*

MIDDLESEX

Matthew S. Sellers (I)

NORTHFIELD

Robert “Rob” Lehmert (D)

EAST MONTPELIER

WASHINGTON-6

BERLIN

Denise MacMartin (D)

Calais, Plainfield, Marshfield

Vote for no more than ONE.

NORTHFIELD

Janet Ancel (D)*

WASHINGTON-2

CALAIS

Barre Town

Vote for no more than TWO.

Rob LaClair (R/D)* BARRE TOWN

Francis “Topper” McFaun (R/D)* BARRE TOWN

BARRE CITY

Lewis G. Graham Jr. (VETS FOR VETS) MARSHFIELD

WASHINGTON-7 Duxbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren

Vote for no more than TWO.

Kari Dolan (D)* WAITSFIELD

* = INCUMBENT

Maxine Grad (D)* MORETOWN

J

WASHINGTONCHITTENDEN Buels Gore, Bolton, Huntington, Waterbury

Vote for no more than TWO.

Brock Coderre (R) WATERBURY

Thomas Stevens (D)* WATERBURY

Chris Viens (I) WATERBURY

Theresa A. M. Wood (D)* WATERBURY

WINDHAM-1 Guilford, Vernon

Vote for no more than ONE.

Sara Coffey (D)* GUILFORD

WINDHAM-2-1 Brattleboro

Vote for no more than ONE.

Emilie Kornheiser (D/P)* BRATTLEBORO

Richard Morton (R) BRATTLEBORO

WINDHAM-2-2 Brattleboro

Vote for no more than ONE.

Mollie S. Burke (P/D)* BRATTLEBORO

WINDHAM-2-3 Brattleboro

Vote for no more than ONE.

Tristan Toleno (D)* BRATTLEBORO

WINDHAM-3 Athens, Brookline, Grafton, Rockingham, Windham

WINDHAM-4

WINDSOR-1

WINDSOR-4-1

Dummerston, Putney, Westminster

Hartland, West Windsor, Windsor

Barnard, Hartford, Pomfret

Michelle Bos-Lun (D)

John Bartholomew (D)*

Mark Donka (R)

Mike Mrowicki (D)*

Elizabeth Burrows (D/P)

Vote for no more than TWO.

WESTMINSTER

PUTNEY

WINDHAM-5 Newfane, Marlboro, Townshend

Vote for no more than ONE.

Emily Long (D)* NEWFANE

WINDHAM-6 Halifax, Whitingham, Wilmington

Vote for no more than ONE.

John Gannon (D)* WILMINGTON

Amy Kamstra (R) HALIFAX

WINDHAMBENNINGTON Dover, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro

Vote for no more than ONE.

Laura Sibilia (I)* DOVER

Matthew Somerville (R) SEARSBURG

WINDHAMBENNINGTONWINDSOR Jamaica, Londonderry, Stratton

Vote for no more than ONE.

Kelly MacLaury* Pajala (I) LONDONDERRY

Vote for no more than TWO.

Ryan Coyne (I) ROCKINGHAM

Leslie Goldman (D) ROCKINGHAM

Carolyn W. Partridge (D)*

Vote for no more than TWO.

HARTLAND

HARTFORD

Heather Surprenant (P/D) BARNARD

WEST WINDSOR

Jacob Holmes (R) HARTLAND

John MacGovern (I) WINDSOR

Wesley Raney (R) HARTLAND

WINDSOR-4-2 Hartford

Vote for no more than TWO.

Nicholas Bramlage (P) HARTFORD

Kevin “Coach” Christie (D)* HARTFORD

WINDSOR-2 Cavendish, Weathersfield Vote for no more than ONE.

John Arrison (D) WEATHERSFIELD

Michael F. Kell Sr. (R)

Alice Flanders (R) HARTFORD

Rebecca White (D)* HARTFORD

WINDSOR-5

CAVENDISH

Sean Whalen (I) WEATHERSFIELD

Plymouth, Reading, Woodstock

Vote for no more than ONE.

Charlie Kimbell (D)*

WINDSOR-3-1 Andover, Baltimore, Chester

WOODSTOCK

Vote for no more than ONE.

Chester Alden (R) SPRINGFIELD

WINDSOR-ORANGE-1 Royalton, Tunbridge

Vote for no more than ONE.

Thomas A. Bock (D)*

John O’Brien (D)* TUNBRIDGE

CHESTER

WINDSOR-ORANGE-2

WINDSOR-3-2 Springfield

Norwich, Sharon, Strafford, Thetford

Stuart Beam (R)

Tim Briglin (D)*

Alice M. Emmons (D)*

Jim Masland (D)*

Vote for no more than TWO. SPRINGFIELD

Vote for no more than TWO. THETFORD THETFORD

SPRINGFIELD

Randy A. Gray (R) SPRINGFIELD

Kristi C. Morris (D)*

WINDSOR-RUTLAND Bethel, Pittsfield, Rochester, Stockbridge

Vote for no more than ONE.

Wayne D. Townsend (R)

SPRINGFIELD

BETHEL

Kirk White (D/P) BETHEL

WINDHAM

Say you saw it in...

Vote for no more than ONE.

NOW IN sevendaysvt.com

3D!

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

21

Q&A WITH THE CANDIDATES ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Governor

The winning candidate in this election will take office during a global pandemic and be charged with leading the state during an economic and public health crisis. To give us a glimpse of how they would approach this daunting task, we asked each of them to respond to the following questions:

As a small state with limited economic development resources, how can Vermont best shore up businesses hurt by the pandemic?

1

Many areas of Vermont are still lacking high-speed internet access. How should the state assist these communities?

2

If you could wave a magic wand and solve one intractable problem in Vermont, what would it be?

3

Information was provided by the candidates. Candidates who did not respond are not listed.

Michael A. Devost

Emily Peyton

Phil Scott

David Zuckerman

[no website] Housekeeper Independent

emilypeyton.com Guide for the Transformation Truth Matters

philscott.org Governor of Vermont Republican

zuckermanforvt.com Lieutenant Governor Progressive/Democrat

1.

I think the first thing to do would be to uplift the state of emergency order. Then I would want to go to the businesses to see what we can do by working together to come up with a plan to help them.

1.

1.

Me personally I would drive to the rural areas of the communities where I know there’s not many internet access. That way I could talk to the town to see where the best place to put high-speed internet polls in and why they don’t have high-speed.

I’ve proposed hundreds of millions in economic relief to help businesses survive, but I know this isn’t enough. As we rebuild, we must make Vermont more affordable, while creating opportunities for businesses to thrive. This includes preventing new and higher taxes – because they don’t help grow the economy.

1.

2.

File a multi/state trillion-dollar People’s class action against: Gates Empire, the NIH, MSM, Google, FB and the CDC, for racketeering.

Meantime, open the People’s Exchange with direct issue of money for instate economic activity, End tax on Vermont-made items. Remove reporting requirements for gifting, barter or sharing.

To support our businesses we need to efficiently make our tax money go further. For example, this year, I helped create the Everyone Eats program that utilizes money multiple times through the Vermont economy — to restaurants, workers, and local farmers — with the mission to feed hungry Vermonters.

2.

Drain industry/insider rip-off fund misuse. Hire Vermonters to install Fiber to Premises to the last mile.

Create workhubs for immediate local needs. Educate Vermonters about health reasons to reduce wifi exposure (fewer tumors, cancers etc). Replace smart meters with safe analog meters (for health, privacy, returning VT jobs).

2.

2.

Broadband is critical to education and a healthy, climate-friendly, economically strong future for Vermont. I would start by ensuring there is access in every community center and work our way out to each home. We must stretch our tax dollars utilizing our CUDs to string fiber to every Vermonter.

3.

3.

Vermonters stop being victims.

Vermont Sovereigns learn information and methodology to have collective authority to issue money for Vermont’s needs.

Using CARES Act dollars, we’ve invested millions for broadband expansion, while also streamlining the permit process to get projects completed faster. But, just like every other rural state, we’ll need additional support from Congress.

I’ll continue to work with our congressional delegation and advocate for a national REA-type approach.

Covid-19 free economic security for all Vermonters; housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, just and safe neighborhoods, and meaningful rewarding work.

NEWPORT CITY

3.

PUTNEY

I would make our communities stronger by uniting racial justice and the police together like they once were.

DID NOT RESPOND: Wayne Billado III, independent; Charly Dickerson, unaffiliated; Kevin Hoyt, independent; Erynn Hazlett Whitney, independent

22

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

BERLIN

3.

Demographics. We have 30,000 fewer kids in our K-12 system than 20 years ago. We need more people in Vermont.

HINESBURG

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Lieutenant Governor

The lieutenant governor presides over the Vermont Senate. The post is largely ceremonial — unless the governor is incapacitated or unable to serve. In that case, the LG takes over the top job. The current incumbent, David Zuckerman, is running for governor.

We asked the candidates vying for his seat to answer these questions:

How would you advance the issues you care about the most, given the limited powers of the lieutenant governor’s office?

1

If you were elected to serve alongside a governor of the opposite party, how would you navigate that relationship?

2

State Auditor Making sure the government is spending our tax dollars effectively falls to the state auditor. Both the Democrats and the Republicans have nominated the same candidate this year: incumbent Doug Hoffer.

We asked him, and his Progressive challenger, Cris Ericson, one question:

What audits would be on your to-do list for 2021?

1

Ralph Corbo

Molly Gray

Scott Milne

No website U.S. postal service employee, was fired for standing up for basic employee rights Independent

mollyforvermont.com Vermont assistant attorney general Democrat

scottmilne.org Business owner and president of Milne Travel Republican

WALLINGFORD

1.

2.

i will use my position presiding over and being in close contact with vermont senators, and the duty accorded the lieutenant governor to help select senate committee members for each legislative session along with selecting appointees for statewide commissions, to elucidate and advocate progressive legislation that i have campaigned on party will not be a factor in how i relate to the governor’s office for as an independent candidate my policy will be that i will be ever vigilant and move with all my might against a governor who steers the vermont ship of state against progressive principles and advocacy.

SOUTH NEWBURY

1.

2.

The greatest power of the Lieutenant Governor’s office is the power to convene, to bring together our best and brightest and champion the needs of rural Vermont to build a brighter future where rural communities thrive, families are supported and our land and environment are protected for future generations.

It’s time to put people before politics. I have spent my career bringing people together to get things done. I have the experience to unite us and shape a bright future for Vermont. I will be a strong partner for our Governor and legislature, and for communities across Vermont.

POMFRET

1.

2.

Vermonters are struggling more now than ever. I would leverage my 30 years of business experience to partner with Governor Scott — who has endorsed me —and work across the aisle so we can tackle COVID-19 and rebuild our economy.

My ProgressVT plan has the details.

While I firmly believe Governor Scott will be re-elected, I would focus on building bridges and finding areas of commonality in the event David Zuckerman was elected. We need to emphasize our areas of agreement and put aside party lines. My ProgressVT plan has bipartisan solutions we can all endorse.

Doug Hoffer BURLINGTON

hofferforauditor.com Vermont State Auditor Democrat and Republican

1.

I cannot predict with certainty what audits will be conducted as we respond to changing circumstances, legislative requests, and whistleblowers.

Among others, we plan to audit the State’s two major COVID relief programs, TIF towns (required by law), health care, and Sheriffs. And we hope to complete EB-5.

DID NOT RESPOND: DID NOT RESPOND: Wayne Billado III, independent; Cris Ericson, independent

Cris Ericson, Progressive

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

23

Q&A WITH THE CANDIDATES ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Representative to Congress Vermont’s congressional delegation consists of two senators — neither of whom is up for reelection this year — and one member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

We asked the candidates seeking to represent Vermont in Congress to respond to a single question:

Peter R. Becker RUTLAND CITY

beckerforcongress2020.com Small business owner Independent

1.

If it wasn’t for partisan politics, we’d have an additional $1200 stimulus check. Critical legislation is constantly being held hostage because of partisan hatred each party has for the other. Voting for me and other Independents can break the crippling gridlock. You don’t have to vote for Democrats or Republicans.

Miriam Berry ESSEX

berry2020.net Registered nurse at Birchwood Terrace Rehab & Healthcare Republican

1.

Our founders intended the House be staffed not by distant career politicians but by everyday citizens. As an RN, I offer compassion & solutions to bring healing. In this age of COVID, in this age of division, Vermont needs a nurse. The United States needs a nurse.

1

Why should you be Vermont’s sole voice in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Christopher Helali VERSHIRE

christopherhelali.com Farmer and graduate student at Dartmouth College Communist Party

1.

The Democrats and Republicans are the parties of capitalism and war. They are owned by corporations. They have destroyed the working class. Their wars have killed millions around the world. Having been to war, I will struggle to end the wars and militaryindustrial complex. All Power to Workers and Farmers!

Jerry Trudell

Peter Welch

jerryforvermont.com Pilot, photographer and community organizer Independent

welchforcongress.com U.S. Congressman Democrat

ST. GEORGE

1.

My voice in Washington will be independent of party affiliation. I will build a bridge across the partisan divide and create bipartisanship instead of a bipolar relationship between political parties. Go to my website jerryforvermont. com and watch my videos for my proposal for a “Greenprint for a new economy.”

NORWICH

1.

For the past 14 years in Congress, I have brought the “Vermont way” to Washington — hard work, civility, respect and progressive values. If reelected, I will continue to fight for Vermonters as we work together to address a global pandemic, an economy on the ropes, climate change, and systematic racism.

DID NOT RESPOND: Marcia Horne, independent; Shawn Orr, independent

MAIL YOUR BALLOT ASAP OR BY OCTOBER 24

AT THE LATEST TO BE SURE IT ARRIVES BY NOVEMBER 3.

DON’T FORGET TO SIGN AND DATE THE ENVELOPE! 24

SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

“One could write a book about why shopping local is so important.

When you shop at one of our bookstores, the money keeps recirculating in the local economy, because our staff patronizes farmers markets, restaurants and many other local retailers. National shopping websites don’t employ any local people, nor do they give back to our vital nonprofit organizations.”

MICHAEL DESANTO OWNER, PHOENIX BOOKS

Take a break from the big guys and support local first.

Vermont merchants have faced mandatory store closures and other challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as some open back up, others operate online only.

All need your support.

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

PICTURED: PHOENIX BOOKS, 191 BANK ST., BURLINGTON, PHOENIXBOOKS.BIZ (JAMES BUCK)

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Visit the Register for all the info on area shopkeepers who are selling their products online for local delivery or curbside pickup.

Browse by categories ranging from jewelry to electronics, outdoor gear to apparel.

Whether you need something for yourself or that perfect gift for a loved one, shop savvy and keep Vermont strong.

SHOP T HE R EGIS T E R .C OM SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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Q&A WITH THE CANDIDATES ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Treasurer

Secretary of State

The Vermont treasurer manages the state’s money and investments, is responsible for collecting and returning “unclaimed financial property” — aka your hard-earned cash — and promotes efforts to improve Vermonters’ financial literacy.

The secretary of state oversees trademarks, professional licensing, and regulation of business services such as amusement park rides — as well as elections, which must feel like a bit of a roller coaster ride this year.

We asked the candidates seeking your vote to respond to the following question:

We asked the candidates for office to answer the following questions:

Why should Vermonters trust you to manage the state’s investments and retirement funds during this pandemic-related economic crisis?

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Carolyn Whitney Branagan GEORGIA

carolynbranagan.com Former state senator (R-Franklin); former state representative (R-Franklin-1) Republican

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The Treasurer is on the same plane as lawmakers. We are all accountable to Vermont voters, and we all must earn trust. To emerge from the economic crisis fiscally strong, we need to listen better and work together to develop the best solutions. I promise that I will always listen.

Beth Pearce BARRE CITY

bethpearce.com Vermont State Treasurer Democrat

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Many have lost their income and their sense of safety and security as a result of COVID-19. As a government finance professional with over 43 years of experience, I have the skills to manage through and beyond this crisis, employing prudent practices and targeted investment in our communities.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

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SEVEN DAYS VOTERS’ GUIDE 2020

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Do you believe that universal mail-in voting should become permanent in Vermont elections? Why or why not?

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How do you rate Vermont’s election security?

Jim Condos

Pamala Smith

jimcondos.com Secretary of State Democrat

whatsthenarrative.com IT support staff for the University of Vermont Independent

MONTPELIER

1.

Yes — requires Legislative debate and approval. Universal Vote by Mail is being used for the 2020 General Election. We can learn from our experience and the experience of other states. I believe Vermonters should be provided easy access to voting and VBM provides that access. VBM is simple, safe, and secure.

2.

High — Our entire focus remains on providing Elections with a high degree of integrity. Including cyber security, which has gained prominence since 2016 with the Russia intervention. We have many defenses in place protecting our election infrastructure. Vermont is considered a national leader in protecting our technology systems.

ST. ALBANS CITY

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I think Universal Mail-In Voting should become permanent to maximize voter turnout and yield more significant results (as voters can research candidates as they are voting). Alongside: It isn’t too much to ask for a copy of a photo ID as well and the ability to vote in person stays.

2.

I don’t know that Vermont’s election security is worse than other states but there are multiple target points. I propose allowing voters to confirm their vote was cast correctly (by viewing the table of all votes, finding their private number, and checking their votes are recorded correctly).

DID NOT RESPOND: Cris Ericson, Progressive; H. Brooke Paige, independent

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9/25/20 5:07 PM

Kids can’t vote.

But you can.

And your voice matters.

It’s your vote, but it’s their future.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS TO VERMONT KIDS:

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