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Your Voice Matters!

Town Meeting Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 4th. Are you ready to vote? The democratic process provides eligible individuals ages 18+ the opportunity to vote on issues that impact all of us, from the town to the federal level. Participation in your local elections is essential, as wider voter participation ensures a more accurate reflection of what residents want to see in their immediate communities. Every vote matters, especially at the local level, where elections might be lost or won by a handful of votes.

So, you’re 18 or older. Are you registered to vote?

If you’re not sure that you’re registered as an active voter in your town, visit mvp.vermont.gov to check your voter registration status. If you haven’t yet registered to vote, you may also do so on that webpage, or you may go to your local Town Hall. If this is your first time registering to vote, you will need a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), a current utility bill, a current bank statement, or another government document containing your residential address. There is no deadline to register! In the state of Vermont, voters may register in person on election day. For more instructions on registration and how to vote in Manchester for this election, please view the Town of Manchester’s notice to Manchester voters here.

What next?

Learn about the next election! What are the issues that will be presented on the ballot? Who are the candidates running for office, and what do those government positions entail? Research the ballot issues for yourself. Read last year’s Town Report to better understand the inner workings of our local administration, including financial reports that break down the town’s appropriation to nonprofit organizations like MCL, Northshire Day School, Southwestern VT Council on Aging, and more. For local election information, your Town Clerk’s office will have voter notices posted, including dates and times for town and school district meetings, voting instructions, and sample ballots. View the Town of Manchester’s 2025 Town Meeting Day election information here.

Engage by speaking with candidates and other voters. Ask meaningful questions that will help you to fully understand the candidates’ views, values, and plans for action. Attend candidate forums, town meetings, and open discussions, some of which are held right here at the Library! GNAT-TV does a great job at providing coverage of local government proceedings. Check out their governmental archives for your town here. Keep your mind open to every side, and form carefully considered opinions. If you have a ballot point you feel strongly for, spread the word! Watch the 2025 Manchester Selectboard Candidate Forum to learn more about this year’s candidates:

Vote! In Manchester, early voting for Town Meeting Day began on February 12th. The deadline to vote is Tuesday, March 4th, which is also when in person voting will occur at Manchester Town Hall. For detailed voting instructions, including voter registration details, view the Town of Manchester’s Notice to Manchester Voters here. Remember that your vote is your voice. Let it be heard!

Under 18? It’s not too early to get involved!

Citizenship does not start on your eighteenth birthday. Youth voices matters too! Here are some resources to help you get started:

• Lend your voice to the Vermont State Youth Council (VSYC) “a diverse group of 28 Vermont youth from each county responsible for annually advising the Governor and the Vermont General Assembly on the policies that impact young persons today.” VSYC’s website hosts an open survey where Vermont youth are encouraged to provide feedback on issues that are important to them so that the council can more accurately represent the opinions of their statewide peers. VSYC is not currently accepting applications to join, but you may contact them here to find out when applications might reopen.
• Do what you love! Your hobbies can be great tools to raise awareness and bolster your community. If you love to create, your art can be used as an activism tool. Sell your creations to benefit a cause you care about, or use your platform to spread the word. For example, did you know that MCL has a Youth Gallery? Contact Assistant Director Paige Vignola to inquire about displaying your work at the Library, either as an individual artist or with a group of like-minded friends! Here are some examples of how some Northshire teens have used their skills and passions as activism tools right here at the Library:
  • Burr & Burton Academy student Evan Miksis used his Youth Gallery photography show to raise money for Kenya Drylands Education Fund.
  • Long Trail School student Amelie Michalkovic has used her talents to run creative programming over the summer and after school, making a safe, fun, and educational space for kids.
  • The Burr & Burton Academy Art Department painted a beautiful garden mural to beautify the Library’s outdoor space.
  • Long Trail School National Honor Society students provide homework help to middle and elementary school students at the Library each Thursday after school.
  • Burr & Burton Academy student Addison Greenland started Manchester Math Mentors to help middle and elementary school students gain a better understanding of math concepts and skills.
  • Long Trail School student band Maple Road and Burr & Burton Academy student musician Kate LeVine have lent their talents to multiple Library events, including last year’s Library benefit concert headlined by renowned blues musicians Paul Rishell and Annie Raines.
  • Burr & Burton Academy student Nate Bouchett provides basic tech support to Library patrons every Monday and Wednesday.
• Look into nearby volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values. We’re always looking for volunteers at the Library to help us with our mission to be open to all as an inspiring gathering place for the community, providing opportunities for personal enrichment and growth. If you’re interested in being an MCL volunteer, fill out an application form.
• Check out these tips to get started in youth activism from the Boys & Girls Club of America.
• Visit the Library! MCL has countless programs and resources to help you discover, learn, and connect with others. Meet you at the Library!