To the Honorable City Council of Burlington, Vermont:

We, the undersigned residents and voters of Ward 3, formally petition the City Council to relocate the Ward 3 polling place from the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes to Contois Auditorium in Burlington City Hall.

Our request is based on the following critical considerations regarding voter equity and geographic accessibility:

• Geographic Displacement: Following the recent redistricting process, the current polling place at the Sustainability Academy (123 North Street) is now situated at the northernmost edge of Ward 3. This location is approximately one mile—a 20-minute walk—from the southernmost residents of the ward.
• Barriers to Participation: The King-Maple neighborhood, located in the southernmost part of the ward, is one of Vermont’s largest communities of color and home to many New Americans. For many residents in this area, transportation remains a significant challenge. A mile-long transit gap creates a physical barrier that disproportionately impacts these voters.
• Ensuring Democratic Equity: Transportation barriers directly limit participation in the democratic process. Moving the polling place to a more centralized location would reduce these barriers, promote inclusivity, and increase overall voter turnout.
• Legal Authority: Pursuant to the Charter of the City of Burlington, Acts of 1949, No. 298, Title II, Article 19, the City Council is authorized to designate polling places.

The Request: We, the residents of Downtown and Ward 3, call upon the City Council to exercise its authority to designate Contois Auditorium (149 Church Street) as the official Ward 3 polling place to ensure a more accessible and equitable voting experience for all residents.