View Scorecard for Year
Grade TL;DR
Although Vermont did not make any substantial election law changes in 2022, the legislature passed historic legislation to move the state to a permanent vote-by-mail system in 2021. Due to the significant pro-voter changes passed in 2021, Vermont received an A- on this year’s progress report.
Looking Back
Where Vermont Started in 2020
- Automatic Voter Registration: Front-End
- Online Voter Registration: Open to all Eligible
- Same-Day Registration: Yes
- Restoration of Rights: No Disenfranchisement
- Vote by Mail: No Excuse
- Electronic Registration Information Center Member: Yes
- Early Voting Opportunities: In-person Absentee
- ID Requirements: No Document Required
Relying on the Cost of Voting Index for Vermont as of 2020, we considered the state a top tier state for pre-existing voting policy and compared its 2021-22 activity against other top tier states.
How Our Tier Compares:
2021: Two Years Ago
Legislative Action
Although the General Assembly passed only one election-related law during the 2021 session, it was a significant change that will dramatically increase voter access in the state.
- S 15 establishes vote by mail for all general elections, allows every active registered voter to automatically receive a ballot by mail for all state general elections, authorizes drop boxes and creates a system for cities to receive state funding for boxes, establishes notice and cure provisions to allow voters to correct ballot errors, and requires the secretary of state to engage with municipalities and relevant stakeholders on how to strengthen ballot language access for Vermonters of limited English proficiency.
2022: This Past Year
Legislative Action
The General Assembly did not pass any significant election-related laws during the 2022 session.