Bill S.297 proposes to authorize municipalities in Vermont to implement a system for electronic ballot return for local elections conducted using the Australian ballot system. The bill introduces new legal language that defines "electronic ballot return" and "qualified electronic transmission system," allowing voters to return marked ballots electronically to their municipal clerks. Municipalities can adopt this system during annual or special meetings, but they cannot use electronic ballot return in the same election where the decision to adopt it is made. The bill also outlines security measures that must be maintained by the electronic transmission system, including data security, end-to-end encryption, and voter identity verification.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any ballots received electronically must be transcribed to anonymous paper ballots by the municipal clerk, who is responsible for securing and counting these ballots in accordance with existing election laws. It ensures that all data generated through the electronic system remains confidential and is only used for aggregate voter participation statistics. The Secretary of State is tasked with publishing guidance on the electronic transmission systems available to municipalities, including recommendations for security and privacy standards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.