Bill H.474 proposes significant reforms to Vermont's election laws, with a primary focus on implementing ranked-choice voting and revising candidate nomination and campaign finance regulations. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to assess the feasibility of ranked-choice voting for presidential primaries by January 15, 2026, and to evaluate electronic ballot returns for certain voters by November 15, 2026. It prohibits major political parties from nominating candidates for general elections if they did not participate in the primary and prevents candidates who lose a major party primary from appearing on the general election ballot as independents or representing other parties. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for write-in candidates, including the necessity to file consent forms in advance and raises the minimum thresholds for write-in candidates in primary elections.

The bill also amends various sections of Vermont's election laws related to campaign finance reporting and the auditing of voter checklists. It replaces the term "independent expenditure-only political committee" with "public question campaign," which operates independently of candidates. New requirements for candidates and political committees regarding campaign finance reports are introduced, particularly for those with significant expenditures or contributions. The bill clarifies the appointment process for recount committees, modifies deadlines for filing petitions, and allows towns to start their annual meetings earlier. It also includes provisions for validating municipal meetings and specifies the roles of constables and tax collectors, allowing towns to vote on whether to restrict constables' law enforcement authority. Overall, H.474 aims to enhance transparency, accessibility, and accountability in Vermont's electoral process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 17-2381, 17-2386, 17-2401, 17-2539, 17-2665, 17-2370, 17-2472, 17-2587, 17-2702, 17-2921, 17-2964, 17-2901, 17-2971, 17-2602a, 17-1971, 17-1973, 17-2103, 17-2358, 17-2313, 17-2413, 17-2493, 17-2546, 17-2703, 1-310, 7-863, 17-55, 20-2485, 24-33, 24-1529, 24-1936a