TO THE EDITOR, THE NORTHFIELD NEWS: WITH THE presidential election barely behind us it is time to recognize the extraordinary work of our town clerks and their election assistants.

It is not easy to run an election: long lines of voters waiting to check in, voters who can't remember where they are registered, politicians glad-handing voters outside the polling place, poll watchers who can't hear names and, this year, piles and piles of absentee ballots to process. And yet, it is essential to our trust in the democratic process that our election workers perform their duties professionally and without bias.

I am proud that Vermont's town clerks and their election assistants ensured that this year's election ran smoothly. Congratulations and thanks to all who made this possible!
DEB MARKOWITZ
Secretary of State