Bill H.474 proposes significant updates to Vermont's election laws, focusing on ranked-choice voting, candidate eligibility, and campaign finance regulations. The Secretary of State is required to submit reports by January 15, 2026, and November 15, 2026, to evaluate the feasibility and costs of implementing ranked-choice voting for presidential primaries and electronic ballot returns for specific voter groups. The bill stipulates that candidates who lose a major party primary cannot be nominated by another party or run as independents for the same office. Additionally, it modifies the requirements for write-in candidates, who must now file a form by 7:00 p.m. on primary election day to have their votes counted.

The legislation also introduces the term "public question campaign," replacing references to "independent expenditure-only political committees" in various sections, and repeals existing provisions related to campaign reports for public questions. It mandates audits of voter checklists and district boundaries by September 2025 and revises the appointment process for recount committees to ensure they consist of disinterested individuals. Other amendments include changes to municipal meeting procedures, allowing for the validation of meetings with omitted notice requirements and adjusting the nomination process for municipal officers. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process while streamlining administrative procedures.

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
As Passed By the House -- Official: 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
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 17-2381, 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