For several election cycles now, Vermonters have been able to ask for an absentee ballot and vote early. The parties love the idea and encouraged people - via mail - to request a ballot.

This year, they've stepped up their efforts with phone calls, filling out the ballot request form on behalf of voters who give their permission. Well, first the Democrats did, and now, because the Republicans aren't happy about it, they are joining in.

There have been reports of confusion from people who didn't remember or didn't realize they were requesting absentee ballots, as Associated Press reporter David Gram outlined in a story that ran in Saturday papers. You can read it here. Republican Party Chairman Jim Barnett called the phone solicitations "an aggressive interpretation of Vermont election laws."

Wednesday, Barnett sent a letter to town clerks across the state saying the Republican Party will start taking ballot requests by phone:

"Because the law is being interpreted to allow authorized campaign workers
to request ballots for voters, the Vermont Republican Party is now adopting this
procedure to ensure a level electoral playing field."

Democrats and independent Senate candidate Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, revised the script that their volunteers use when calling voters. Party spokesman Bill Lofy said his party calls only known supporters of this year's Democratic candidates. Here's the script:

Absentee/Early Vote Script – For Those Who Have Not Yet Requested 10-12-06
1)
Identify Yourself
Hi, I’m _______________ and I am working/volunteering for
the Vermont Democratic Party in (community) today. How are you doing?
2)
Deliver Message
I just wanted to talk to you a little about what some of our
candidates, like Bernie Sanders, who are working on to make Vermont an even
better place. They’re working hard to lower healthcare costs, expand the number
of good-paying jobs in Vermont, and provide tax relief for middle class
families.
This will be an incredibly close election, can our candidates
count on your support this fall?
(Other candidates are Peter Welch for US
House and Scudder Parker for Governor)
3) If Yes:
That’s great! Your vote
will be crucial, and you don’t have to wait until Nov. 7th to cast
it.
Vermont law allows any registered voter to either vote by absentee ballot
from home or early vote at your Town Clerk’s office. Both are extremely easy and
voting early will be incredibly helpful to our candidates. Just visit your Town
Clerk at (insert local town clerk address) anytime during weekday business
hours; or you can request an absentee ballot to be mailed to your home right now
over the phone – you will receive your ballot within a few days. Simply fill out
the entire ballot, stamp it (if needed) and mail it back to the Town Clerk in
the self-addressed envelope they provide.
[ASK: Could I fill out an
application to have a ballot mailed to you on your behalf? OR Can I take you to
the Town Clerk’s office to vote early? I could pick you up whenever it is
convenient for you]
IF YES (get all information for application, OR check to
see what time local clerk is open; schedule a day and time for pickup) AND YOU
MUST THEN READ THE FOLLOWING:
The Vermont Democratic Party will now request
an absentee application for you, on your behalf. This will go directly to the
town clerk, from the Party. You will then receive your ballot from the town
clerk within a few days. If you decide to vote in person early at the town
clerk’s office or on Election Day, you must bring your ballot with you to the
polling place. If you have any questions about your ballot or early vote, call
us immediately; toll free at 877-277-9015. Thank you for your support.
If not
interested in voting early or they will do so on their own thank them for their
support and finish the call.
4) If NOT supportive of our candidates:
Are
there any questions that I can help answer regarding our candidates? [Answer
questions, thank for their time – "good bye"]
5) Left Message for Phone
Calls:
Hi, this is _______ from the Vermont Democratic Party. This will be an
incredibly close election and your vote for our candidates can help ensure that
Vermont continues to have strong leadership in Washington DC and here at home.
This year, in addition to voting at the polls on November 7th, you can now vote
early - just visit your Town Clerk at (insert local town clerk address) any
weekday during business hours; or Request an absentee ballot to be mailed to
your home. If you have any questions about Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, Scudder
Parker, Matt Dunne or any of our candidates, or if you would like to request an
early ballot, please call us toll free at 877-277-9015.

- Terri Hallenbeck