When you get a Vermont General Election ballot in the mail, don’t throw it away, even if you plan on voting in person on Nov. 5.

While visiting the Middlebury town office this week, we heard that Vermont towns have a limited number of paper ballots for this year’s general election, so town clerks are asking people who choose to vote in person on Nov. 5 to please bring the ballot they got in the mail with them to cast at the polling place. It is the same ballot you would be given in person.

Because the state mailed ballots to every voter, the Secretary of State’s Office did not send as many paper ballots to towns — presumably to cut down on waste. If you already threw away your mailed ballot, towns do have some on hand.

What happens if you don’t have your ballot with you on Election Day?

Middlebury Town Clerk Karin Mott told us that you’ll need to sign an Affidavit of No Ballot Cast, and then you’ll receive a new ballot.

“It’s true that town clerks have received limited numbers of ‘extra’ ballots from the state, so it’s great to use the one you’ve been sent,” she said in an email. “But, if you happen to misplace yours, or have not received a ballot through the mail before Election Day, do not fear.  We WILL have a ballot for you!”