In a historic move ahead of the upcoming Election Day, several candidates for significant statewide positions in Vermont visited incarcerated individuals at a major state prison to discuss their platforms.
Among the attendees were Republican U.S. Senate candidate Gerald Malloy, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Esther Charlestin, and Democratic U.S. House candidate Becca Balint.
They addressed topics submitted by incarcerated voters, including criminal justice reform, mental health, housing, and resources for addiction recovery.
Vermont, alongside Maine, stands out as one of the two states in the U.S. that permit incarcerated individuals to vote.
This event marked the first candidate forum of its kind in Vermont, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their incarceration status, have access to pertinent information for making informed voting decisions.
Deputy Secretary of State Lauren Hibbert moderated the forum, emphasizing the importance of providing all Vermonters with the necessary information to vote, even those in prisons or jails.
Additionally, Commissioner of Corrections Nick Deml expressed hope that such forums become a regular feature in Vermont’s election cycle, facilitating meaningful connections between incarcerated individuals and local candidates.
This initiative reflects Vermont’s progressive stance on voting rights and criminal justice reform, highlighting the state’s dedication to inclusivity and informed civic participation.
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