Vermont Department of Corrections Hosts Candidate Forum for Incarcerated Voters at Springfield Correctional Facility

Springfield, VT - Candidates for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor today shared their campaign platforms and took questions from incarcerated individuals at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield, Vermont.

"Incarcerated people traditionally face significant barriers connecting with candidates for office, so this forum brought the candidates directly to them," said Commissioner of Corrections Nick Deml. "I hope this becomes a permanent fixture of future elections in Vermont, and I urge other states to consider broadening ballot access within their own correctional systems."

Vermont, along with Maine, are the only states that allow all incarcerated individuals to vote. Corrections staff post information about voting 90 days before all Vermont elections, distribute voter guides, and help volunteer organizations conduct voter drives within state correctional facilities. Today's event was the first-ever candidate forum for individuals currently incarcerated in Vermont.

"In Vermont, a criminal conviction does not restrict the fundamental right to the ballot," said Deputy Secretary of State Lauren Hibbert, who moderated the forum. "It's important all Vermonters have the information they need to vote - including those incarcerated in our prisons and jails."

Candidates at the forum - Gerald Malloy, Esther Charlestin, and U.S. Representative Becca Balint - discussed a range of topics submitted by incarcerated voters, including criminal justice reforms, mental health, housing, reentry support, and resources for addiction recovery.

"I'm proud that Vermont is one of only two states in the country that does not disenfranchise our incarcerated residents," said Balint. "Since 1799 we've recognized the right of all of our citizens to participate in our democracy. Although incarcerated people can vote, they don't have typically have access to the types of campaign events or materials that others get. That's why conversations like today are so critical to voter engagement. I'm grateful to the Department of Corrections for hosting this forum, and I was pleased to be able to discuss my vision for Vermont and the country directly with incarcerated folks looking to exercise their right to vote."