VermontS.2982025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

An act relating to voter protections

Sponsored By: Kesha K Ram Hinsdale (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Candidates can fund security through campaigns

Beginning June 8, 2026, candidates can use campaign money for security-related monitoring systems, protective detail, and cybersecurity. Campaign spending also includes dependent-care costs caused by campaign activity. The security expenses must relate to the candidate's security. The law does not require this spending or set a spending amount.

Candidates get filing help and penalty relief

From June 8, 2026, through May 30, 2027, late disclosure penalties and Ethics Commission enforcement are paused for state, county, State Senate, and State House candidates. Candidates still must file, but the Secretary of State cannot send the Commission their names as delinquent filers during this period. Through May 30, 2027, the Commission must explain filing rules and penalties, answer questions, and post forms and prepared answers online. The Secretary of State must link to these resources. Both agencies must recommend how to manage disclosure forms to legislative government operations committees by January 30, 2027.

Fewer groups count as political committees

Beginning June 8, 2026, groups count as political committees only when they both accept contributions and make expenditures during a two-year general election cycle. Any amounts count when used to support or oppose candidates, influence elections, or advocate on public questions. Political parties remain excluded, while legislative leadership political committees remain included. Groups outside the definition are not covered by rules that apply solely because of political-committee status.

One polling-place fine is removed

Beginning June 8, 2026, the law removes a specific $1,000 polling-place fine. It covered interfering with a voter inside the guard rail or trying to sway a voter toward a candidate inside the voting building. Removing this fine does not make the conduct lawful or remove other possible penalties.

Stronger voting rights for protected groups

Beginning June 8, 2026, Vermont and its towns cannot use voting rules that deny or limit rights based on race, color, language-minority status, or disability. Courts consider the full circumstances, including unequal chances to participate or elect chosen representatives. The number of protected-group members elected can help assess compliance, but the law does not guarantee proportional representation. The law also bars interpreting Vermont's election-offenses chapter in ways that deny or harm a registered voter's right to vote.

New limits on voter list use

Beginning June 8, 2026, people requesting statewide or municipal voter lists must promise, under penalty of perjury, not to use them commercially. They must also promise not to knowingly share them to get around those use limits. This restriction covers sharing with foreign governments, federal agencies or commissions, and people acting for them. Statewide-list promises are filed with the Secretary of State; municipal-list promises go to the municipal clerk.

Stronger voter protections and new penalties

Beginning June 8, 2026, the law protects voting and election work by banning intentional or reckless intimidation, threats, coercion, and attempts. This covers obstructing voting, influencing votes on candidates or public questions, and obstructing election officials' work; violations carry up to two years in prison, a $2,000 fine, or both. With reasonable cause to believe a violation affected voters' rights, the Attorney General can sue in the county's Superior Court. Courts can issue temporary or permanent injunctions, restraining orders, and civil penalties up to $5,000 for a first violation or $25,000 for later violations. Courts can also require payment of the State's reasonable investigation and prosecution costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kesha K Ram Hinsdale
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alison Clarkson
Democratic • Senate
Andrew J Perchlik
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Ann E Cummings
Democratic • Senate
Anne E Watson
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Joseph "Joe" D Major
Democratic • Senate
Martine Larocque L Gulick
Democratic • Senate
Nader A Hashim
Democratic • Senate
Philip E Baruth
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Randy D Brock
Republican • Senate
Rebecca "Becca" E White
Democratic • Senate
Richard A Westman
Republican • Senate
Robert Plunkett
Democratic • Senate
Ruth E Hardy
Democratic • Senate
Seth Bongartz
Democratic • Senate
Tanya C Vyhovsky
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Thomas I Chittenden
Democratic • Senate
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 28, Nays = 0