January 2001 Press Release

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Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and Poster Contest Announced
Contest to Promote History of Vermont, the Vermont Constitution and the Importance of Voting, January 16, 2001

Town Meeting Day Deadlines Draw Near
January Deadlines for Town Meeting Warning, January 17, 2000

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Press Release
For Immediate Release  Contact: Martha Trombley
802-828-2148
January 16, 2001

Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and Poster Contest Announced
Contest to Promote History of Vermont, the Vermont Constitution and the Importance of Voting

Montpelier. Secretary of State Deb Markowitz today announced the 2001 Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and Poster Contest. This is a joint project of the Secretary of State’s office and Kids Voting Vermont. Markowitz said “I am hopeful students will take part in this contest that promotes the history of Vermont, the Vermont Constitution and the importance of voting.”

This Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and Poster Contest is open to students at all grade levels. Those in grades K-3 may participate in a poster contest on Official Vermont Symbols. Students in grades 4 and 5 are encouraged to draw posters with a Vermont History Theme. Students in grades 6 to 8 and high school levels are encouraged to participate in the essay contests. Students in grades 6 to 8 are asked to write on the topic of the Vermont Constitution and students in grades 9 to 12 are asked to write on the topic of the importance of voting to democracy.

Secretary of State Markowitz said “A good starting point for this contest is the Secretary of State’s Kid’s Page on the Internet. The web site is intended to supplement classroom studies and it can be of help as students prepare for their posters or essays. Our web address is www.sec.state.vt.us.” More information about the contest rules, and registration forms are also available from this website.

Markowitz said “as with any contest there will be prizes for students within each category. Each of the four winners will receive a $100 savings bond, and his or her class will be invited to be my guest for a day in Montpelier to tour the State House, visit the Historical Society Museum and have a rare viewing of the Vermont Constitution which is kept in the Archives at my office. This is a particular honor, since the Vermont Constitution is only removed from its special vault on very few occasions.”

This contest is open to all schools across Vermont. Bob Young, Chair of Kids Voting Vermont said “I am hopeful that students across Vermont will take part in this contest that promotes an appreciation of Vermont’s unique character and history, and encourages an awareness of the importance of voting to democracy.”

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Press Release
For Immediate Release    Contact: Martha Trombley
802-828-2148
January 17, 2001

Town Meeting Day Deadlines Draw Near
January Deadlines for Town Meeting Warning

Montpelier. Two deadlines for getting on the ballot are fast approaching for the upcoming March Town Meeting. According to Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, "One of the things that makes Vermont town meeting so special is that members of the community have an opportunity to discuss issues of town government that are important to them. However, in order to get a particular issue on the town meeting warning, voters must present a petition to the town clerk by January 25th." In most cases, a petitioned article must be signed by at least 5% of the registered voters of the town.

In addition, according to Markowitz, "Serving in local office is a great way to give something back to the town.” People who live in towns that vote their officers by ballot, rather than on the floor of town meeting must plan ahead if they wish to run for office. January 29th is the deadline for submitting a nominating petition with the town clerk. Nominating petitions must be signed by 30 voters, or 1% of the legal voters, whichever is fewer. All petitions must be submitted to the town clerk. For more information call your town clerk's office, or the Office of the Secretary of State at (802) 828-2363.

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