Vermont Secretary of State proposes campaign finance transparency reforms

The Vermont House Government Operations Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to election laws aimed at enhancing transparency and consistency in the electoral process. Key discussions centered around the categorization of write-in votes, campaign finance regulations, and the auditing of voter checklists.

One of the primary topics was the proposed changes to how write-in votes are reported. The committee discussed creating three distinct categories: registered write-in candidates, other write-ins, and blank votes. This change aims to provide clearer election results and ensure that all write-in votes are accounted for without confusion over fictitious entries.

The committee also addressed campaign finance regulations, emphasizing the need for all candidates to register and report their financial activities, regardless of the amount raised. A significant change proposed is the removal of the $5,000 threshold for filing, which would require all candidates to affirm their financial activities at each filing deadline. This move is intended to foster a culture of compliance and transparency among candidates.

Additionally, the committee discussed the importance of clarifying the definition of public question campaigns. The proposed language aims to ensure that campaigns influencing public questions, such as budget proposals or constitutional amendments, are subject to the same disclosure requirements as candidate campaigns. This change is designed to close loopholes that allow individuals or organizations to influence elections without proper transparency.

The committee also proposed amendments to the auditing process for voter checklists, suggesting that audits focus on multi-district towns rather than all towns, which would streamline the process and reduce unnecessary burdens on local clerks.

In conclusion, the discussions during the meeting reflect a concerted effort by Vermont lawmakers to improve the electoral process through clearer regulations and enhanced transparency. The proposed amendments will be further reviewed and refined as the legislative process continues, with the aim of ensuring that all aspects of the election process are accessible and understandable to voters and candidates alike.