Vermont
How Vermont mail-in ballots are processed and protected
With one week to go until Election Day, millions of Americans — and thousands of Vermonters — have already cast their ballots.
The Green Mountain State permanently expanded mail-in voting after it drove record turnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, which means more and more of the work of administering an election happens before the first Tuesday of November.
So, what actually happens after you drop your envelope in the mailbox? Vermont Public’s Bob Kinzel spent a morning with election officials in Montpelier, including City Clerk John Odum, to learn firsthand how ballots are processed and what measures are in place to keep results secure.
More from Vermont Public: Vermont has become one of the easiest places to vote in the country, but gaps remain
This story was produced for the ear. We highly recommend listening to the audio. We’ve also provided a transcript, which has been edited for length and clarity.
Bob Kinzel: All right, so what we’re going to do is walk out to the ballot drop box just outside City Hall.
John Odum: This is some kind of box. This thing is tough to get into. It takes two keys. The slot is very narrow and is protected by a sort of metal lip over it, so nobody’s getting in there unless they’re jamming a ballot up in there. Nobody’s pouring gasoline into it and lighting it on fire. It’s, it’s more secure than that.
OK. Got our ballots.
Bob Kinzel
/
Vermont Public
Bob Kinzel: OK, so we’ve got ballots from the ballot box, and now we’re going to bring them back into your office. What are we going to do with them?
John Odum: We’re going to open them up. Well, we’re going to open up the ones from the mailers, and then we’ll put aside the actual ballots in the ballot envelope. We don’t need the mailing envelope at all anymore, but we will, for now, keep those ballots inside their sealed and signed envelopes.
Bob Kinzel: Odum brings the ballots back into his office and gives them to Deputy City Clerk Sara McMillon, who processes them at her desk. She uses the city’s electronic checklist to record that a voter has officially sent in a ballot. It’s a system that prevents a person from voting twice.
Sara McMillon: And so then that checks it in, and then I know, it keeps a record that that person has voted. And so then the voter can log in online, and they can see that we’ve received their ballot. If someone hasn’t signed it or someone hasn’t dated it, then we mark it as defective, and then we, we can call them and have them come into City Hall to cure the ballot, or we can send them out a letter that’s that they can send back to us, saying that it’s OK for us to count their ballot, even though it’s not signed.
Bob Kinzel
/
Vermont Public
Bob Kinzel: Clerk Odum then takes the ballot envelopes and places them in the city’s vault for safe keeping. They stay there until local election officials begin the tabulation process. It’s a process that can take place for several weeks before Election Day. The optical scan machine counts the number of ballots that are fed into it, but it does not reveal any of the results until Election Day.
John Odum: And again, I keep that padlocked because our vault is so small, I need, I feel like I need to keep a little extra security here. But yeah, so they stay there, and then we take them out when it’s time to run them through the tabulator, which I’ve got some folks doing right now.
So we have one person who will open them up and put them face down. But the idea is that if this person is putting the envelopes down, then this person who takes the ballots out never sees the name. So nobody ever sees both a ballot and a name associated with a ballot. Everything is always locked down. It’s always in the vault. Soon as I, soon as these folks are done, I lock it back up, put it right back in the vault. And this is, we’re just using the one; we’re going to be running three more machines during the Election Day.
Bob Kinzel: The optical scan machines are locked up back in the vault after they’ve been used, and they have small blue seals on the cover that clearly indicate if the machine has been tampered with in any way.
John Odum: Where we verify that these, that these seals have not changed, and you’d have to get into the seals to get the programming cards. Now, could you get in and change those numbers? That’s awfully hard to imagine. If you could get in. I think the biggest worry when you start talking about cybersecurity with these tabulators is mischief — not so much changing numbers, but trying to get in there and just mess something up so we have to run ballots again, or something like that.
These things aren’t connected to any network. They don’t have any modems, like cellular modems going, so in terms of physical security, they’re as good as you get. Somebody would have to physically come up to the machine and access it and break those seals and get in there and take a card, one of the memory cards out there, do something with it, you know, snap it in half or something. So no, we don’t have those kind of concerns at all. And I’m really grateful for that, it’s not difficult to tell if there’s been any kind of breach.
Bob Kinzel: Processing these early mail-in ballots has kept the Montpelier City Clerk’s office very busy these days, and this is true for many communities across the state. That’s because, in many towns, as many as half of their voters will cast their ballot this year using the mail-in system.
How to vote in the general election
Eligible voters can register anytime up to and on Election Day, Nov. 5.
You can register online, in-person at your town clerk’s office, or on Election Day at your polling place.
Voting
If you received a ballot in the mail, you can return it by mail or take it to your town’s dropbox.
You can also vote early, in-person at your town clerk’s office or on Election Day at your polling place.
If you get a mail-in ballot but plan to vote in person, bring the ballot with you to your polling place.
Learn more
Find your registration status, ballot information, polling place info and more at your My Voter Page.
Get more information about the voting process in Vermont Public’s general election guide, and learn about who’s running in our candidate questionnaire.
Peter Engisch provided production support for this story.
Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 1 drawing
Day: 8-7-7
Evening: 0-3-3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing
Day: 1-8-1-2
Evening: 0-3-1-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 1 drawing
10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Colorblind museum helps visitors see color for first time
A North Carolina museum is offering special glasses so that colorblind visitors can see art in full color.
Fox – Seattle
Looking for a new museum to visit this winter?
As a historic state with European settlements going all the way back to the 1600s, Vermont is home to many historical museums dedicated to preserving the state’s foundational role in United States history.
In fact, the state’s oldest museum dates all the way back to 1884, making it almost 150 years old. Originally founded from a personal collection, Henry Sheldon Museum is not only the oldest museum in Vermont, but also the oldest community-based museum in the whole country.
Here’s a brief history of the oldest museum in Vermont, as well as how to visit.
History of Henry Sheldon Museum
According to the museum’s website, Henry Sheldon Museum was founded by its namesake, Henry Sheldon. A local businessman and avid collector, Sheldon turned his personal collection of furniture, paintings, documents, household objects and artifacts into a museum, which opened to the public in July of 1884, says the Vermont Historical Society.
The museum’s collection has expanded greatly since then and still continues to grow. Today, the Sheldon aims to help community members gain a deeper appreciation of Vermont’s local art and history through engaging art and history exhibits, programs, events and an extensive archival collection at the museum’s research center.
This spring’s upcoming feature exhibit will focus on the idea of time, displaying the museum’s collection of timepieces like clocks, watches, calendars, journals, time capsules and more.
How to visit Vermont’s oldest museum
Want to explore Vermont history and art at the oldest museum in the state? Henry Sheldon Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday throguh Saturday.
Admission costs $10 for adults or $5 for seniors, with free admission for members, students and children ages 18 and under. Appointments to visit the museum’s research center must be made by emailing archives@henrysheldonmuseum.org.
Henry Sheldon Museum is located at 1 Park St. in Middlebury.
Editor’s note: For the full championship story and photos, visit HERE.
HINESBURG — For the first time since 1988, there is a new Vermont high school wrestling state champion.
Spaulding dethroned Mount Anthony, ending the Patriots’ 36-year reign with an impressive team performance at the state championship at Champlain Valley Union High School on Feb, 28, 2026.
The Crimson Tide scored grapplers in 12 out of 14 weight classes and had seven of them competing in final matches.
Spaulding, which locked up the title before final matches commenced, finished with 236.5 points to MAU’s 195.
This is Spaulding’s first title since 1984. MAU’s unchallenged championship run was a national record for wrestling. It ranks sixth all-time for consecutive state titles among all high school sports in the country.
Check back later for an updated story and photo gallery at burlingtonfreepress.com.
Team scores (final)
1. Spaulding 236; 2. Mount Anthony 195; 3. Middlebury 134.5; 4. Vergennes 123; 5. Otter Valley 121; 6. Colchester 96; 7. Essex 86; 8. Mount Abraham 85.5; 9. Harwood 67; 10. Springfield 54; 11. Fair Haven 52; 12. Mount Mansfield 44; 13. Burr and Burton 43; 14. North Country 38.5; 15. Mill River 38; 16. St. Johnsbury 37.5; 17. Champlain Valley 36; 18. Lyndon 33; 19. South Burlington 29; 20. Randolph 28; 21. Rutland 26; 22. U-32 12; 23. Lamoille 11; 24. Lake Region 6; T25. BFA-Fairfax, Rice 3.
106-pound final: Wesley Churchill (Spa) def. Fernando Oyola (MAU) for 14-3 win (major decision)
Winner: Churchill caps the evening of finals with with a state title as the No. 3 seed, beating the top-ranked grappler in this division. Churchill was fifth a year ago at 106.
Other place finishers: 3. Tolkein Lawlor (MMU); 4. Brady Babcock (OV); 5. Mason Douglass (U-32); 6. Sam Dyer (Rut).
113-pound final: Sylas Race (MAU) def. Lucas Colby (Spa) for 8-7 win
Winner: In the first match of the finals, Race builds a 7-0 lead before Colby storms back in the final period. But Race holds on for the 8-7 victory. The match was stopped three times for what appeared to be a bloody nose.
Other place finishers: 3. Caleb Woodward (OV); 4. Addie Smith (Verg); 5. Colton Jones (MR); 6. Liem Moller (CVU).
120-pound final: Brayden Buchanan (Essex) def. Mason Sheltra (Col) for 16-1 win (tech fall)
Winner: The sophomore Buchanan polishes off his second straight title, securing a tech fall (margin of 15 or more points) in the final seconds of the match. Buchanan celebrates with a back flip. Sheltra was going for a third state title.
Other place finishers: 3. Miles Goetz (Midd); 4. Duncan Klinck (Har); 5. Vincent Deysenroth (MAU); 6. Darien Haselton (CVU).
126-pound final: Cahota LaFond (Col) def. Eion Comes (NC) for 17-0 win (tech fall)
Winner: LaFond completes a fourth straight state title with a tech fall in the final seconds of the first period. The senior, who surpassed 200 career wins last month, celebrates with a take down to the mat of his coach, Scott McPhearson.
Other place finishers: 3. Jackson Brown (MMU); 4. Adrien Provencher (Verg); 5. Grady Thurston (Spa); 6. Eric Whitten (Har).
132-pound final: Stephen Kittredge (Verg) def. Anthony Szabo (FH) for 7-4 overtime win
Winner: In the early moments of a 1-minute overtime period, Kittredge uncorks impressive takedown for the three points and state title, his first after finishing runner-up at 126 in 2025.
Other place finishers: 3. Dylan Jacobs (Col); 4. Landon Wilcox (OV); 5. Nate Sackett (Har); 6. Cole Brown (Lyn).
138-pound final: Asa Reis (MAU) def. Karter Morey (Lyn) for 17-4 win (major decision)
Winner: Reis seizes his second title in three years, taking early lead and cruising to the major decision. A year ago, Reis was runner-up in this weight class.
Other place finishers: 3. Colby Belden (FH); 4. Mo Hussein (SB); 5. Camden Ayer (CVU); 6. Gavin Winnie (Spa).
144-pound final: Duncan Harrington (MAU) def. Michael Grasso (Spa) for 10-3 win
Winner: Harrington gets his third straight state crown. Harrington scored a pair of takedowns in the first period to take control.
Other place finishers: 3. Jackson Scribner (Verg); 4. Anthony Abetti (BBA); 5. Carter Jones (Essex); 6. Wyatt Tarbell (MR).
150-pound final: Isayah Isham (MTA) pins Tyler Monick (MAU)
Winner: With 17 seconds left in the second period, Isham pins Monick for his state title. Isham, who took third a year ago, was up 10-1 prior to his pin.
Other place finishers: 3. James Marcellus (Spa); 4. Jackson Ladd (SJ); 5. Micah Perez (Rut); 6. Chase Tefts-Young (Col).
157-pound final: Nicky Service (Har) def. Mason Atkins (MTA) for 9-7 win
Winner: Service is the first Harwood wrestler to win a state title since Kyle Streeter in 2013.
Other place finishers: 3. Logan Slater (Spa); 4. Connor Decker (SJ); 5. Jason Sperry (Midd); 6. Jeremy Glodgett (NC).
165-pound final: Noah Dunster (Spa) def. Blake Allen (OV) for 4-3 win
Winner: Dunster scored all of his points (escape, takedown) in the first period, hanging on to beat the top seed for his first state title.
Other place finishers: 3. Dimitri Jasinski (Spring); 4. Lincoln Painter (MTA); 5. Quinn Veth-McGovern (BBA); 6. Henry Dodge (SB).
175-pound final: Payton Lavoie (Verg) pins Caleb Hoar (Spa)
Winner: Lavoie earns his second straight crown with a first-period pin with 22 seconds left. Last year, Lavoie won the 190-pound class.
Other place finishers: 3. Ethan Patch (MR); 4. Parker Carl (Midd); 5. Jonathan Lake (Spring); 6. Max Potter (OV).
190-pound final: Maxwell LaPerle (Spa) def. Wyatt Kennett (Midd) for 20-2 win (tech fall)
Winner: After a scoreless first period, LaPerle led 5-1 through two periods before piling up two near falls and two takedowns for the tech fall victory.
Other place finishers: 3. Zane Cooper (Rand); 4. Keegan Reid (OV); 5. Abraham Kreuger (Lam); 6. Jacob Jamieson (FH).
215-pound final: Tucker Wright (Midd) pins Charlie Berry (Spa) (5:49)
Winner: Wright separates with an eight-point second period and then secures second consecutive state title with a late third-period pin.
Other place finishers: 3. Drake Felkl (OV); 4. Ian Denue (MAU); 5. Rowan Danaher (Essex); 6. Dallas Sulton’El (Col).
285-pound final: Ryan Marsden (MAU) pins Steven Lackard (Midd) (4:37)
Winner: Marsden claims his third straight 285-pound championship with a third-period pin.
Other place finishers: 3. Joe Gershon (Essex); 4. Izaak Wolniewicz (Verg); 5. Tyler Scott (MMU); 6. Alex Poczobut (Spa).
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
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