Party Caucuses to Choose Candidates -- What's a Caucus?

Democratic Party Ward Committees

            There shall be established in each ward of the City a Ward Committee, which shares the purpose of the City Committee as stated in Article II.

            A.        Membership: The Ward Committees shall be composed of every Democrat residing within a ward who has submitted their name either orally or in writing – at either a nominating caucus for City offices or the biennial reorganization meetings. Additional members may be added by vote of the Ward Committee at any ward committee meeting. These new members may be eligible to vote immediately, if so determined by the Committee before their elections..

            B.        Officers: As per Article IV, except that in the event of a vacancy of any position, the responsibilities of that position shall accrue to the corresponding officer of the Executive Committee who shall serve as the ward officer until such time as the vacancy is filled.

            C.        Quorum: a quorum shall be determined by the individual ward committees.

            D.        Voting: As per Article VI.

            E.         Committee organization and election of officers: Between August 1 of odd numbered years and the scheduled date of the biennial reorganization meeting for the City Committee, the Ward Chairperson shall call an organizational meeting. The order of business shall be:

                        1.         Reading of the call of the chairperson.

                        2.         Election of a temporary chairperson and secretary.

                        3.         Submission of names for ward committee membership.

                        4.         Reading of the roll.

                        5.         Election of Permanent officers of the Ward Committee.

In the event of a contest for any office, voting shall as prescribed by Article VI.

            F.         Duties of the ward chairperson: The chairperson shall be the general executive officer of the Ward Committee. It shall be the chairperson’s duty to maintain an updated list of all committee members and to provide a copy of the list to the City Chairperson on or before the biennial reorganization meeting.

            G.        Duties of the vice chairperson:; All the duties of the chairperson shall be vested in the vice-chairperson in the absence or disability of the chairperson.

            H.        Duties of the secretary: as per Article XII with deletion of the last sentence.

            I.          Duties of the treasurer and assistant treasurer: as per article XIII.

            J.          Meetings: may be called at any time by the ward chairperson or the City Chairperson with seven (7) days notice, or at the request of five (5) or more members of the committee. In any case, there shall be no less than three meetings a year.

            K.        Duties of the Ward Committees: as per article XV

            L.         Resignations: as per article XVI

            M.        Filling of vacancies: as per article XVII, except that if no person has been appointed after a position has been vacated for thirty days, the Executive Committee may fill the vacancy pursuant to a majority vote of its members at any meeting.

            N.        In the event a ward committee fails to hold an organizational meeting as prescribed by this article, such organizational meeting may be held at the biennial reorganizational meeting of the City Committee.

WE ARE GRATEFUL

Ward 4, highest % of registered voters in the city VOTED! Ward 7, second highest % of registered voters VOTED. 55% and %3%. Congratulations!


THANKS to:

• VOTERS, who are the core of our democracy 
• Poll workers, who prepare the polling place, welcome voters, oversee the election process and protect the sanctity of the ballot
• City and state employees, who work long hours before polls open and after polls close, supporting local election officials and guarding the democratic process
• Candidates who sacrifice their privacy and leisure time to run for office as independents or party affiliated

We tip our hats,  TO ALL OF YOU! 

Let's Break our Record -- 75% Ward 4 St. Mark's Youth Ctr, 72% Ward 7 Miller Ctr.

In the last election for governor and legislature, [New] North End voter turnout was the highest percentage in the city - 75% ward 4 and 72% ward 7.

New registrations are pouring in to city hall. Burlington is going to break all records, and we're going to be challenged to maintain our first place tradition!

Some factors in our favor: we have challengers in both Legislative races, the race for Governor is packed with critical  issues,  and there are clear choices for voters. We've had an active non-partisan voter campaign (CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY --VOTE) with a table at the shopping center and wide distribution of candidate and voter information. The VOTE banner will be out in front of St. Mark's on the Avenue on Election Day.

Call the City Clerk's office with any questions about where, when or how to vote: 865-7000.  And between now and Nov 2, flash the V sign to everyone you meet: V for VOTE! North End Voters InSpired!

School Supt. addresses voters -- WARD 4 votes at ST. MARK'S YOUTH CENTER, WARD 7 votes at MILLER CENTER

Dear Councilors and Mayor Kiss

It has come to my attention that the city council has passed a resolution regarding the Ward 4 polling site and that there are also questions about Ward 7. I would like to weigh in as superintendent of the Burlington schools.

First, please know that the schools are happy to host polling places where it makes sense and is safe to do so. We feel it is a great way to get the community into the schools, especially those who may not normally have a reason such as kids to come into the schools. The schools are often used as community centers and this is a wonderful way to welcome the community. In addition, it is good for our students to see the democratic process in action and we often take this opportunity to talk to students about voting and having a voice and the role they will play as future leaders of our city and our country.

That said, I need to revisit the idea of "when it is safe". Over a year ago, I suggested to Mayor Kiss that the polling site be moved out of Hunt Middle School to the Miller Center, as Hunt is not a safe place during election day. While our other schools can offer a semi-private polling room, usually the gym with a separate entrance and exit, Hunt cannot. In fact, the entryway which voters must cross to get to the polls is one of the busiest hallways during normal operating school hours. The risk of students running into voters, or vice versa, is quite high. In addition, we spend every other day of the school year limiting who has access to the school buildings during the school day in order to maintain safety. We have worked hard with the Burlington Police Department to set up procedures that keep the school welcoming and open to those who have legitimate business there while keeping students and staff safe. On election day, at Hunt, this is completely disregarded and we feel as though the entire campus is open to anyone, given that the polling site is not separate from the workings of the school. In addition, voters who enter the parking lot as students arrive are often not fully aware this is a school facility and students are everywhere. We have turned to BPD each year to help keep that parking lot safe from drivers who do not know the routine, as we have 400 students arriving for school or leaving school.

I understand that the Miller Center, which I suggested as a new site given its close proximity to the current site, is not acceptable to all. I also understand that Councilor Dober is advocating for a school site, for the very reasons we normally welcome polling sites in our schools. Therefore, I would like to offer CP Smith School as a polling site for Ward 7, as early as this November. We believe it would be safer for students, and wonderful for the community to get in and see what is being done with Burlington dollars to upgrade the building to code. Not all of Smith will be that site by election day in November; however, the primary wing will be at Smith and we feel we can make the gym available for voting.

I understand also there is discussion about the voting at St Mark's for Ward 4. We will still be in St Mark's with mover half of the Smith student population on election day. I had offered Flynn Elementary School as an option, and with the Smith Kindergarten out of the old gym at Flynn, that room can be made available. It is not an option for me to close school at St Mark's on election day, as we have a finite amount of days we are mandated to provide an education, and the construction moves are pushing us up against a wall with that mandate.

I would be happy to discuss these two options for Wards 4 and 7 with you or whomever is appropriate. I again stress that Hunt is not a safe option for Ward 7, but we can offer Smith, and that Flynn is a better option that St. Mark's for Ward 4. Please let me know if you need further information.

 Jeanne Collins, Superintendent of Schools, Burlington School District, 802-864-8474

Support for Efforts to Increase Voter Participation

All efforts to increase voter participation in Ward 4 could be offset by congestion at the polling place in St. Mark's Youth Center. All efforts to increase voter participation in Ward 7 could be offset by dissension and confusion about moving back to Hunt School, where access is easier but school will be in session and parking will be limited.  Problem-solving and non-partisan public information is needed -- loud and clear, and repeatedly, starting now! 

• In Ward 4, we are hearing that school construction is behind schedule and voting activity at St. Mark's will conflict with school activity. Currently there are cars filling the parking lot, spilling over onto the lawns and neighborhood streets. Who is in charge of poll logistics like parking and management of traffic congestion? Councilor Kaplan says she will talk it over with the schools and the police dept. State Rep and Councilor Wright says BPD is aware of the problem and he may ask School Supt. to close school at St. Marks that day if needed. Problem-solving and getting information out to voters should not be left to partisan candidates. Lack of public information, and the perception of polling place congestion, can discourage people from going to the polls on election day. Seeing a police officer there directing traffic could even be a red flag for people to stay away! What do you do when you see congestion ahead? U-turn and get out of there if you can. And you tell friends to avoid the area.  

• In Ward 7, there is a resolution to move the poll back to Hunt School. The school is apparently not enthusiastic. In the past it was a school off day, but no longer. 

• Leaving it up to candidates to get people to the polls is lousy. Non-partisan public information is needed, loud and clear, repeatedly, and starting now!

• Early and absentee voting is an option for some people (like the party faithful) who have made up their minds (and don't want to be bothered by new information), but it is NOT the answer for the majority of voters. MANY independent-minded voters follow the debates, forums, and campaign activities which bring out new information daily, and they vote responsibility when the campaigns end -- after each side has presented their best case and responded to their opponents, after the press has done fact-checking and analysis, and after weighing all sides of the questions and candidates.

Ward 7 polls increase parking to avoid congestion. Ward 4 votes at St. Marks -- congestion avoided with advance planning?

When school was getting out today, Shore Rd congestion was alarming from a safety perspective. Could orange cones -- or something -- be set out to slow traffic when children are leaving school on foot, by bike, and in cars? Perhaps an officer to slow traffic on North Ave and oversee the parking, pick up, and crossing of children?

Election day is going to be VERY congested! The St. Marks parking lot if full now with school staff, plus cars on the lawn abd lining the street. Will someone think through this well in advance of election day?

Councilor Kaplan replied that she has noticed the same, and is working with BPD, DPW, and the School Dept to manage the situation now, and on Election Day. Lt. Bovat is monitoring the situation immediately and will take appropriate action.

Getting Together to Get Out the VOTE!

All party affiliates and non-aligned people are needed to spread the word. Get Out To VOTE is a non-partisan project. The materials are prepared by the VT Sec. of State's Office, the League of Women Voters, NPAs, and the Burlington Center for Community and Neighborhoods.

We encourage EVERYONE to vote, we want to register EVERYONE, and we want to take information about elections -- polling places, ballots, candidates -- EVERYWHERE so EVERYONE is informed and prepared to VOTE their conscience, without fear or favor.

GET OUT TO VOTE Campaign -- GO TO VOTE!

Burlington is organizing a campaign to inspire all voters to go to the polls in November.

Traditionally, GOTheVote has been defined as activity by campaigns to target their candidates, or their party voters, to get them to the polls. At best, GOTV consisted of personal phone calls and emails to select voters before the election to remind them to vote, and on election day party/candidate poll cross-checkers id their candidate's voters who have not yet voted and someone calls them. At worst, there has been resistance to or lack of enthusiasm for community-wide pre-election activity that reaches out to all voters. The exception has been efforts by the Secretary of State (Your Vote is Your Voice) and the League of Women Voters.

North End Voters InSpired has joined with all-wards' NPAs, the Center for Community and Neighborhood, and the League of Women Voters to inspire all voters in the City of Burlington to vote. Together we are organizing Burlington ward by ward, forming teams to register, inform, and inspire all voters to VOTE. Registration and information are wasted if people don't follow-through and vote in their ward -- early, absentee, or at the Polls by marking a ballot or by phone.

NEVIS will continue to focus on Wards 4 and 7. Our NPAs' CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY - VOTE banner was carried from Battery Park to City Hall in Burlington's first annual pre-election VOTE Parade on Aug.21. The banner was displayed on North Avenue at the Ward 4 polling place on election day. NPA sandwich boards went out at 6AM with VOTE TODAY signs on them.

The Get Out To VOTE campaign is aimed at one goal -- inspiring people to vote by creating a culture of confidence and celebraton that our votes count, our candidates are worthy, and democracy is worth voting for! Each ward will strive for a personal best.

We praise candidates and supporters who create a colorful, personal campaign presence waving on the street and standing at the polls on election day. The signs however, do not tell people when/where to vote. Signs would have to be personalized by town, and in Burlington by ward, which seems like a good excuse for pizza parties!

City Hall Open for Early Voting, Saturday Aug. 21

CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY - VOTE! parade ended up at City Hall to promote early voting. The Clerk's office was open from 9-Noon, Saturday before the primary, to accommodate people who prefer voting on the weekend.

So what did the sign in front of City Hall say? It said: WARD 4 VOTE HERE on TUESDAY. What??  Is the sign telling people from Ward 4 that they can't vote at City Hall early? Or that Ward 4 is voting at City Hall on Tuesday, not at St. Mark's? Think this sign might be creating some confusion? Can the City Clerk READ?

WARD 4 VOTE HERE TUESDAY???

  

Well, ok. We covered up the misinformation until Larry got some tape and taped white paper over WARD 4. TUEDAY was covered by one ofour signs: "YOUR VOTE COUNTS."

League of Women Voters brought their wonderful enthusiasm and dedication to voting. 

Refreshments at City Hall

The goal of the parade was to remind people to vote -- early at City Hall, and Tuesday at the polling place in their Ward. 

Tuesday, Aug 24, 

Ward 4 votes at St. Mark's Family and Youth Center!

Thanks to City Councilor and CCAN

MORE ON VOTING AT MILLER CENTER
By Vincent  Dober, City Councilor - Ward 7, Heineberg Road , doberv@burlingtontelecom.net
Thu, 19 August 2010

This is to address the Helen Hossley and Theresa's comments about voting at the Miller Center... both gave opposite views.

Helen and Theresa, I have done an on-line survey and I have been walking door-to-door asking this question. There is more than 80% of people I spoke to that would like the election poll, back at Hunt. Most of the 80%, were parents that wanted the change back to Hunt stating they think it's important that our youth should see, their parents / their friends parents, voting... "This is mentoring our youth"

Now to the on-line survey -- the results were 82% in favor of moving the voting poll back to Hunt. Some of the same comments expressed to me by email for the online survey were similar to the door-to-door comments. You can see the results on my webpage http://www.dober4councilor.com (upper left hand corner.. Survey Results).

I can't imagine why Helen would assume the parking problem was all due to politicians since she was inside. I can assure each of you that the politicians all parked either at their homes, as far back of the parking lot as possible or on adjacent streets on election day. I can say Paul Decellas parked at his house... I parked in front of his house and I believe Greg Jenkins was dropped off, so I don't know where that's coming from.

Parking at the Miller Center is at least half of what is at the Hunt, that is the problem. The ball park field is not available (that is private property and usually chained after baseball season and during the March election it has snow mounds blocking the entrance).

I attended the NEVIS meetings to try to induce more voting participation and this was one of the mentioned items. I personally watch voters leave in frustration and not vote. That is not acceptable!

Since I am still polling data door-to-door; I believe, I will have a resolution for Ward 7 voting to move back to Hunt Middle School this fall to take affect for March election. I hope this helps you understand what's been happening since March 2010. Next steps: 1) CREATE RESOLUTION 2) Submit to Board of Civil Authorities (City Council)

Any questions give me a call -- 865-4907. Thanks to both of you for your comments.

Vince

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North End NPA Creates VOTE Banner for Polls and Parade

CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY BANNER-MAKING AND PARADE AUG. 21
By Jenny Davis, CEDO - City of Burlington, College St, jdavis@ci.burlington.vt.us
Wed, 18 August 2010

Young and old alike are invited to celebrate our right to vote by joining a sidewalk parade to City Hall on August 21. The event will start at 9:30am, in the community room at the Burlington Police Dept, with the chance for everyone to create your own banner and/or sign to carry in the parade. The group will display these works of art during a celebratory parade to City Hall that will leave Battery Park at 10:30am. There will be refreshments awaiting the group at City Hall. All you need to bring is a music-maker (kazoos, drums, cymbals - anything you are able to carry during the sidewalk parade) and your enthusiasm for our right to vote. Wear your most festive red, white and blue! Parents: what a fun way to teach your kids about the election and democracy.

This event is sponsored by the city's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, the Vermont League of Women Voters, and the Center for Community and Neighborhoods. For more info: 865-7172, jdavis@ci.burlington.vt.us.

Please note that the City's Clerk-Treasurer's office is offering additional hours on August 21 from 9am - noon for anyone who wants to come and vote early for August 24 primary election.

---------------------------------------------

Parade to Celebrate Democracy and Voting, Aug 21

Aug 21, the Saturday before the primary election, you are invited to meet up in BATTERY PARK at 10AM to walk or bike to city hall. The Clerk's office is open for voting until noon, and people can vote at this time if they wish. Other activities are impromptu soap box for speeches, street performances, juggling, music, and whatever comes. Neighborhood Planning Assemblies in Burlington encourage people to vote in the primary election on Aug 24. Candidates are invited to the assemblies to meet residents and talk about issues before the election, and the PARADE is a grand finale.

Details on Meet Up ! 

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Questions, and Answers ?? from Scott Schrader, new Asst. CAO responsible for Elections

Are you sorry you asked yet?

 Subject: ward 4 checklist? polling place signs? banners?

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:14 AM

To: Lori Olberg

Lori,

Yesterday I was at the Miller Center, and the Ward 7 checklist was there. Where is the Ward 4 checklist? 

Please post on Front Porch Forum and Burlington Community Newspaper: 

·  the availability of checklists for review, and locations 

·  where/when/how people register to vote before the Aug 24 Primary, 

·  and please note that parking problems at Miller Center have been resolved (parking at athletic fields)? 

Who is in charge of putting the polling place signs out? How many days before the election do the polling place signs go out?

We need new (not faded and shabby) polling place signs for Ward 4, placed near North Ave so they are clearly visible from all directions. 

Ward 7 needs parking management, and availability of parking at athletic fields. Ward 4 parking is along Shore Rd. People need to know where to park.

The NPA is making a CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY -- VOTE AUG 24 banner, and we need to know  what the rules are about displaying it. Can you help with that? 

Lea
_________________________________________________________

Lori referred the questions to Scott Schrader, who says the CAO has delegated responsibility for the Aug 24 Primary election to him. He responded as follows, (don't skip the final paragraph, it's a doozy): 

Ms. Terhune:

Lori Olberg has forwarded you e-mail dated July 27, 2010 wherein you inquiry on various aspects of the upcoming Primary Election.  For the sake of expediency, I will be combining your inquiries in some instances.

1. As for your inquiry regarding voter registration and the location of the Ward 4 checklist and posting of checklists in general; The State of Vermont, pursuant to Section 2521 of the Vermont State Statutes, only requires that the City post a Warning and Notice of Election in at least two public places within each Ward.  This Warning and Notice contains, among other things,  information on voter registration and early or absentee voting, on how to obtain ballots, mark them, get help marking them and obtain new ballots in place of those accidentally spoiled and other pertinent information.  The City posts the Warning and Notice in three public places within each Ward, as well as at the Clerk/Treasurers Office at City Hall. 

The State of Vermont, pursuant to Section 2141 of the Vermont State Statutes, only requires that a checklist be posted in two public places in addition to being posted in the Clerk’s Office.  The City Charter has expanded on the State’s requirement  by requiring one copy of the checklist for each Ward to be posted.  Historically, and with this election as well, the City has placed each Ward checklists in two public places within each Ward.   The placement of these checklists [wards 4 and 7, checklists only] are as follows: Ward 4 St. Mark’s Youth Center – 1271 North Avenue, Gadue Dry Cleaning – 1127 North Avenue. Ward 7 Robert Miller Recreation Center – 130 Gosse Court, Bessery’s Quality Market – 1398 North Avenue 

2. As for your inquiry regarding polling place signs; Pursuant to Section 20 of Article 8 of the City Charter names the Chief Administrative Officer responsible for the elections as the presiding officer.  The Chief Administrative Officer has delegated the responsibilities of the Primary Election to me.  As such, I am responsible for the preparation and conduct of the election at each Ward.  I have researched various legal sources as to the requirement of the placement of signs used to identify polling places for an election and, so far, have not identified any rule as to when a sign needs to be placed or, quite frankly, whether a sign needs to be placed at all.  Historically the City has placed signs at each polling place on the day of the election.  Signs identifying each polling place in each Ward will be posted by a City employee for the Primary Election prior to the polls opening on Primary Election Day.  I will personally inspect the signs prior to the Primary Election to determine their condition and order replacements, if necessary.

3. As for your inquiry regarding parking; I am not sure if your statement regarding Miller Center parking problems is meant to be informative or a question.  Be that as it may, this Office has assigned a Clerk/Treasurer employee to each of the seven polling places on election day to serve as an Election Official.  They will be directed to communicate any and all issues that may arise to myself so that they can be addressed.  If parking issues arise, they will be addressed.  I have personally toured each of the polling place locations and will again prior to the Primary Election.  Currently, adequate parking appears to be available.  Again, this will be monitored and evaluated at each polling place as the day progresses. 

4. As for your inquiry regarding rules for displaying a banner; Certainly citizens, candidates, etc. have a first amendment right to stand outside a polling place holding a sign.  However, due to the fact that some of the polling places are being “borrowed” by the City for the conduct of the election, candidate signs and banners cannot be  “placed” upon the property.  Thus a sign or banner cannot be affixed to the building or stuck into the ground or otherwise “erected” to stand alone.  Banners or signs advertising the election, however, can be placed upon the property at a polling place under the following conditions:

a.     The exact language to be printed on the sign or banner must be approved by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.

b.    Permission from the property owner must be obtained, in writing, and submitted to the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.

c.     Any liability or property damage caused by the placement of a sign or banner with be assumed by either the party placing the sign or banner or the property owner. 

d.      If the property where a polling place is located is City property, permission to place a sign or banner must be obtained by the resident Department and the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and, if permission is granted, shall be placed upon direction of the resident Department. 

I want to thank you for your interest in the upcoming election.  However, I will offer some advice on the nature of e-mail and proper etiquette.  E-mail, even if etiquette is properly and diligently followed,  is probably the most troublesome form of communication in that the reader cannot determine the attitudes or emotion of the writer due to the lack of voice inflection, etc.  This has a tendency to cause the reader to misconstrue the intent and attitude of the writer.  For example; your e-mail could give one the impression that the questions you ask and issues you raise are directives to be taken care of by the City.  Being new to Burlington and not having the pleasure of meeting you, I can’t imagine that that is (was) your intent.  I am certain that you are offering suggestions to this office of things that could make it easier for the voters of the City to exercise their democratic right.  Your intended intent and attitude could be lost or be considered rude if you don’t take the time to use proper etiquette in form and politeness, depending on the reader.   I offer this in a most sincere, constructive way to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding.  Again, thank you very much for your interest and suggestions.   Feel free to contact us with any observations and suggestions you may have in the future. [Note: Highlight is mine. I am floored by Schrader's response! Follow-up to get questions answered received no reply. Lea]

Sincerely,

Scott Schrader

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer

City of Burlington

149 Church Street

Burlington, VT  05401

Phone (802) 865-7140

FOURTH OF JULY VOTER REGISTRATION AT APPLETREE POINT

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Celebration of Fourth of July included voter registration sponsored by NPA and Appletree Point Historical Society.

League of Women Voters Plan GOTV Campaign

The Champlain Valley League of Women Voters has long been concerned about the gap between the numbers of legally registered voters in the county and the number of registered voters who actually vote. In an effort to reduce the gap, the league is pleased to announce the formation of a non-partisan experimental project which it hopes will increase the percentage of registered voters who do vote, in time for the crucial November 2010 elections. Read more: 

Challenge to the League is overcoming their uninformed defense of Instant Runoff Voting (hyped as a way to increase voter turnout, it proved just the opposite), reputation for promoting old-style liberal Dem candidates, and lack of meaningful data or commitment from town clerks and the Sec of State's office. That said, the 50% majority goal of so-called voter reform advocates like Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, is meaningless show and an empty sound bite when voter turnout is so low that the difference between 40% and 50% insignificant. Turning their energy and effort away from IRV, toward increasing voter turnout, is admirable. It shows they really care about participatory democracy. It remains to be seen whether they will do old-style GOTV (focus on promoting their followers, their candidates and their ideology), or design a campaign that respects democracy and political diversity.

May 15, 2010 How to Inspire Voters?

Election Day -- make a day of it!  Start with a community breakfast, then an all day flea market and bake sale, and end with a community supper starting at 6 and going through the time the polls close. Miller Center would be a good place for the supper, in the community room. TV coverage of election returns on the big screen. Have to work this out with election officials so the community room is available.

How to Inspire Voters? Transparency is key, residents need to know what's going on and where candidates stand on the issues. We want FACTS, not spin and spin. We want public forums where residents ask clear questions. NPA submitted questions before the last forums, then Ch17 decided what questions to ask and didn't press for specific answers. We want to ask our own questions, and follow-up.

Candidate forums and community meetings: People don't like to feel manipulated. We know that control groups manipulate participants. For example, they may use a format where you listen to them talk, then you submit any questions you have, they choose what questions to ask, and may even rephrase them. If you disagree with them, you are discredited, or they won't call on you. If you head in a direction different than they want to go, they are the boss. Hands of people who agree with them go up around you, and those people are called on. They break people up into small groups and have their controllers and minions leading each group, deciding who to call on, and what to write down. To filter ideas from outsiders, or ideas they didn't expect and don't want, they use dots to prioritize which guarantees that the unusual idea drops off the list. So people who think different and may have good ideas are discouraged from participating. You end up with a group of like-mindeds.

Forget trying to get the schools to teach civics! Let's offer a basic community civics course at the Miller Center, with open enrollment. We can use a home-schooling civics book that is totally non-partisan, and have a multi-party teaching team. Hopefully new Americans would join us, and it would be a way to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood as well as to America. We talked about the experience of our ancestors coming to America, and imagine that they have a lot in common with all people migrating to this country seeking freedom and safety. We'd ask the NPA to sponsor the civics group weekly, and once a month meet before an assembly and prepare a dinner together.

How it must be if people are going to trust/respect elections:
1. Secure elections, everything done honestly without any appearance of wrong-doing.
2. Clear stands on issues from candidates.
3. A clear understanding of our government, historic truth, and the voting process.
4. Understanding what happens if government is corrupt so we know why we have to be scrupulous.
5. Today many people are asking: Where is the trust? Where did the money come from? Where did the money go? Is anybody accountable?

Work to do:

• *Current checklists do not agree. Will look into this further.
• *Compare VT Election Law to differences in Burlington election law.

SUNSHINE WEEK

Vermont ranks 25th among states on sunshine laws. There are 231 exceptions to our Right to Know law. Executive Sessions, once rare, now appear to be common place. Vermont needs a Secretary of State who will motivate the legislature to restore transparency to government. 

Advocate urges stronger sunshine laws in Vt.: Times Argus Online

May 29, 2010 ...By   By JOHN CURRAN Associated Press

Vermont, in particular, is lax on providing the tools for such reporting, Vermont Press Association Executive Director Michael Donoghue told the group.

The state's right-to-know law has 231 exemptions in it, and no enforcer, official or ombudsman to go to when public officials violate it, he said. Some states impose fines or jail time on public officials who violate open records laws.

"It's the only law in Vermont that I know of that has nobody enforcing what the Legislature has passed," said Donoghue. 

In Burlington we are increasingly concerned about transparency in government on the local level. We rightly want to know how our tax dollars are being spent, what permits are being issued, and what decisions are being made on our behalf. Burlington doesn't have town meetings where we participate actively in the democratic process, so the best way to keep tabs on city government is by attending public meetings, watching CCTV, asking lots of questions, and scrutinizing public records.

Like the Zoning Activity Report:

http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/planning/zoning/status_report/index.html

City-wide, NPAs Are Enthusiastic About Campaign to Inspire Voters in November

At the Apr.27 meeting of City-Wide NPA steering committees representing all 7 wards in the city, everyone was enthusiastic about the idea of creating election day events that will create a festive atmosphere and motivate people to vote. The goal would be to increase turnout at the polls celebrating free democratic elections in a city known for it's political activism. Many ideas were shared, including parades, banners, community dinners, music at the polls, book and toy swaps, sales in local stores with discounts for families who show an "I Voted" sticker, free bus service for everyone, ice cream and hot chocolate. We'll be using the internet to search the world for great ideas. Secretary of State Candidates will be invited to present their ideas at a North End NPA on September 21 at the Miller Center. Election Day will be a friendly competition to see which voting districts (wards) can increase their voter stats. Each ward's turnout will be measured against their own personal best. The winner will be the City -- and that's all of us!  How's that for Win/Win all around!

Apr. 17, 2010 Miller Center

Summary of discussion: Goal is to increase voter turnout in the North End. Reviewed current checklist procedures. For many good reasons, the checklist keeps people active for years who don't vote and may have left the area. Checklist not a good measure of turnout. Could we use census data? Or just use number of voters over the last [6] elections.? How can we encourage people to vote, to engage city issues and want to get to know issues and candidates? How can we get civics back in school curriculum? People have to believe that voting makes a difference, that candidates are sincere, that the ballot box is inviolate, and that voters aren't being used by politicians who are looking out for themselves and their friends and pushing their own agenda instead of representing us. The polling place has to be both welcoming and well organized, election law scrupulously adhered to, and everything run efficiently and in a warm and welcoming manner. Everyone took away an interest they will investigate further. NPA is inviting candidates for Secretary of State to the September Assembly, asking them to speak about inspiring people to vote. We will meet again May 15, Miller, 10AM. People who are interested and have something to contribute will show up. All are welcome.

Summit Notes, March 20, 2010.

PARTICIPANTS: Jenny Davis, scribe and resident W4; Jean O'Sullivan W7; Linda Chagnon W7; Jake Perkinson, Chittenden Cty Chair, Dems; Melani Barch, W4 Inspector; Cliff Cooper, Community News, W4; Ellen Cooper, W4; Angela Chagnon, W7; Lea Terhune, facilitator, W4; Vince Dober, City Councilor, W7; David Cain, Burlington Chair Dems; Art Hogan, Dem W4 Caucus Chair; Dick Kelley, W4 Inspector; Jim Couture, W4 Clerk; Greg Jenkins, W7; Chuck Seleen, W4. Unable to attend, but asked to be included in future meeting: Nancy Kaplan, W4 City Council; Paul Decelles, W7 City Council.

NOTES

Location of polling places: 
Ward 7, Miller Ctr - parking problems, not enough space, not safe for people walking to/from center, traffic congestion, fender-bender, people not happy. Vince Dober did a survey, 85% of respondents want to move polling place back to Hunt School.
Ward 4, St. Marks - suggestions are Leddy Arena, Flynn School, High School.

Signage at polling places:
Sign problems at both polling places -- signs misplaced, signs not visible from Avenue, Ward 7 moved signs near St. Marks, Ward 7 moved sign in front of Miller, ward 4 sign small and faded, ward 4 sign down on the ground weekend preceding election day, small  W4sign obscured by bushes, residents don't always know if they live in ward 4 or 7 so a sign that says W7 moved to Miller that was placed near W4 St. Marks was confusing. Signs that are bold and attractive add to excitement and anticipation of election day, inspire people to vote. Flags would be good, too, and could be handmade and reused, appeal to all ages.

Schools as polling places: 
Some people are uncomfortable voting in a church.
If schools are polling places, would that impact the school budget vote?
Schools have opportunity for civics education
Everybody knows where the schools are
Schools are public spaces.
Flynn doesn't have adequate parking.
Miller doesn't have adequate parking.
Hunt has good circulation and adequate parking.
BHS has lots of parking, everybody knows where it is.
If schools require teachers to be in school that day, parking is taken.

Misc.
Lack of privacy -- people can see marks on ballot at booth and when putting in machine
Ballots aren't numbered any more, potential for fraud
When you vote at the city clerk's office, they put your ballot in a drawer.
What happened to the locked ballot box? Voters feel insecure.
More training, supervision, direction needed from "the top," better process across the city
Control needed on ballots.
Absentee ballots need to go into a locked box, not a drawer in clerk's office.
Privacy instills voter confidence. Voter privacy lacking.
With numbered ballots you can cross-check against voter check;list.
If #'d ballots checked hourly, can trace numbers, and can also account for all spoiled or "lost" ballots.
Absentee ballots -- need to know who is handling them, and what happens to those ballots.
ABs shouldn't be touched until election day -- what IS the process?
Trust in city hall and clerk's office is lacking these days. Ward 7 sealed ballots box opened 3 times.
No privacy when ABs are used, so people are more and more reluctant to vote absentee.
Handling of ABs, ritual must be consistent.
Handling must protect voter privacy.
Ballots should be "sacred," all rules followed scrupulously, no sloppiness tolerated.
Reps from all parties/candidates present when ABs opened/counted.
Ballot questions confusing, language confusing, like vote NO if you are in favor of an issue.
Ballots need simple, clear language.
Location of ballot questions -- on the recent ballot the school budget question was under the instructions and looked like an example. [Look at how many people didn't vote on this.] Issues located over candidates?
W7 polling place moved to Miller Ctr? Who made this decision?
W4 polling place kept at St. Mark's. Why not moved to Flynn?
Resolution for change of polling place goes through City Council -- but it needs to come from residents.
Privacy in voting booth and at machine needed.
Campaign literature littered the polling place, came in from outside with voters who left it in booths, ask for NO literature/leaflets handed out at the polls or brought into the polling place.
Greeters could advise voters as they enter polling place to avoid wearing buttons, or bringing literature into the polling place.
Need greeters at entrance to polling place as well as inside.

How to increase voter turnout:
Involve students in mock elections and give out "I voted" stickers to remind/motivate parents.
Competition among schools/wards to increase voter turnout.
Free bus passes (published in the Community News).
Track and report attendance at each poll throughout the day.
Have a rides shuttle service, especially for seniors.
Call-in transportation services on election day.
Non-partisan community volunteers provide transportation.
SSTA for eligible riders
Election Day a day of community celebration. Parades!
Sales in stores on election day. Specials in restaurants. Discounts at the dry cleaner!
VOTE signs and banners.
NPAs provide historical data and encourage ward to encourage best voter turnout.
Larger signs in front of polling places.
Make polling places more attractive, festive.
Welcome new voters, with "vote" in different languages.
Emphasis on "voter friendly," with helpers easily identified so a first-time voter  is not intimidated or frustrated.
Big "INFO HERE" signs, and people to help.
Translators to help ESL understand the ballot questions.
Often older ESL voters bring children to assist, but what if there is no one to translate?
Polling places easy for people to get to, bus stop nearby.
Move election Day to a Saturday in May.


Wrap-up:
Suggested theme -- VAINE: Voter Apathy is No Excuse!
VT Sec. of State theme -- Your Vote is Your Voice.
Looking for something upbeat, and InSpiring!
Where are the Ward 7 election officials? Why aren't they here?
Ward 7 election official perceived as having conflict of interest, i.e. manager of a campaign for a ballot item. Apparently it's legal, but several people thought it contributed to the climate of distrust.

Duplicates, or Registered in another town?

The voter registration database is set up so that each clerk can search for duplicates by name and date of birth.  The clerk may use the last 4 digits of the SSN if this data has been entered for the voter when the clerk checks the full voter record to determine if the voter is the same person.  If the clerk is in doubt, the clerk can call the other Vermont clerk to discuss.

Our office will conduct a number of training sessions in late spring and summer  Any person can attend.  The sessions will be announced in the May monthly opinions newsletter.

Best Regards, Kathy

Kathleen Scheele DeWolfe
Director of Elections & Campaign Finance
VT Office of the Secretary of State
26 Terrace Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1101
(802) 828-2304

Merging City and State database

We started using the State’s version of the voter checklist data about three years ago. Prior to using the state’s data, the city had it’s own checklist data. When we converted to using the state’s data, we decided to merge the data from the state into our own data tables, since most of the fields were the same. This saved us the trouble of having to make large-scale changes to the systems we use to access and report on this data. There are some fields that we used to use that the state does not use, such as phone number, notes, delete reason etc. We have a process that runs once every hour that downloads all the current data from the state and inserts it into our data tables. Where the state’s data does not have a column that matches, no data fills in, so the result is an empty column. [Dana Baron, City of Burlington.]

Voter Status -- depending on when the person voted last

From the city Voter Registration Office:  A voter’s status can be “Active”, “Inactive/Challenged”, or “Purged/Archived”. There are a couple of other status codes that indicate cases where we do not have complete registration information: “SSN Not Verified” and “No Oath”. (If someone in one of these statuses shows up to vote, there are provisions to allow them to do so). The law states that if someone has not voted in a certain number of elections (I’m not sure what the number is), then we must send them a “Challenge” notice telling them we will be purging them from the checklist. Those people are then placed in “Inactive/Challenged” status. If we don’t hear from the voter after a period of time (again, I don’t know what the time period is), then they are placed in “Purged/Archived” status.

How is checklist updated? How is this related to low voter turnout?

We heard reports on election day of "voters" who had died but were still on the checklist. Checklist has three categories: current/active, inactive, deleted. Here's how the checklist is updated:

Margaret Poirier, for the Board of Registration of Voters, checks Free Press death notices and Board of Health records routinely and updates the checklist, moving people who have died to the deleted category. In addition, every 2 years she mails out postcards to people who have not voted in 4 consecutive general elections to ask if they want to remain current on the checklist. If they reply yes, they remain current. If they do not reply, they are moved to the inactive category.  *[Needs to be confirmed -- conflicting information. There's a "challenge letter" that is sent out by the state. Don't know who sends the postcard.]

If people register in another town/state, the voter registration office there sends notice to our Clerk and Margaret moves the name to deleted category. If a person fails to inform the new registration town office that they are previously registered elsewhere, they would remain on our active list until the postcard is unanswered (moved to inactive category) or they notify our Clerk (moved to deleted category).

It is logical to conclude that the Burlington checklist is inflated, and at least 10 years outdated at any given time. For example, people who were in town during the last presidential election may have registered here to vote, and are either here no longer, or have no interest in Town Meeting or statewide elections. So we must not feel guilty about our low voter turnout, especially in wards where there is a high transient population. People are to be praised for registering, even if only to vote in a presidential election in Burlington one time!

NEVIS NOTES: March 20, 2010

Participation: Linda Chagnon, Jean O'Sullivan, Jake Perkinson, Melanie Brach, Ellen Cooper, Cliff Cooper, Angela Chagnon, Lea Terhune, Vince Dober, Art Hogan, David Cain, Dick Kelly, Jim Couture, Greg Jenkins, Chuck Seleen, Jenny Davis. Nancy Kaplan, Paul Decelles, Loyal Ploof, and Larry Solt were not able to attend but want to stay involved.

Highlights:  ~Regarding polling places: Vince did a survey in Ward 7 about site preference and 85% want to return to Hunt School. He and Paul will be taking this up with the full Board of Civil Authority. We learned that the Ward 4 polling place stayed at St. Mark's because ward 4 clerk and inspectors didn't think there was time before Town Meeting to make the move. Discussion is ongoing. ~Regarding the Board of Civil Authority (aka City Council), the City Clerk's office (Ben Pacy, Lori Olberg), and Ward Clerks (Couture 4, Noyes 7) and Inspectors (Gilbert 4 , Kelley 4, Barch 4; Deliduka 7, Hossley 7, Riley 7): there could be a presentation at an upcoming NPA by the City Clerk's office about what clerks and inspectors do. ~Regarding increasing voter turnout: ideas flowed freely -- many that have worked well in Burlington in the past, and some things yet to try. Getting our stats together so we know our history and our personal best will help us set goals that are both realistic and challenging.

Feedback about Election Day:

We value all ideas, and we noted every idea expressed by every person who participated. At the next work session, we'll literally cut up the list, put like issues/ideas together in a pile, and see who can tackle each set of issues.

What next:

Most of the people present expressed interest in continuing to work on improvements, reviewing what worked in the past and in other places to find ways to inspire an enthusiastic voter turnout. The North End NPA will make this a priority in the coming year, starting with NEVIS' evaluation of election day (convenience of polling places, signage, voter information, and training of people working at the polls). Packets of information are being collected from the City Clerk and Secretary of State's Office, and an internet search for great ideas is ongoing. We'll have monthly updates from NEVIS at the NPA, and track progress. Hopefully, polling sites will be confirmed soon so chosen venues can create optimal situation (parking, traffic flow) and  there can be widespread publicity to create awareness in the community.

Next work session: 

Saturday, Apr. 17, 10-11AM, Miller Center. Contact Lea Terhune (658-1908) and Greg Jenkins (865-0249)