The state’s leading government reform group is calling on legislators to establish a Code of Ethics in state law and make it enforceable by an independent Ethics Commission. Earlier this year, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) criticized the lack of authority given the current Ethics Commission, and the Commission’s efforts to conceal some …
Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of a major new initiative. This month we are forming VPIRG Votes – a political campaign arm for our organization. Later this year, for the first time ever, we plan to support public interest champions running for the Vermont State House, Senate and statewide office. This is a …
Just yesterday, in a big win for Vermont’s democracy, the state Senate officially voted to prohibit corporations from making direct contributions to political candidates in the state. This bill, S.47, introduced by Senators Pearson and Pollina, will be key to getting big money out of our political system – and it’s now up to our …
VT State Senate Votes to Ban Corporate Campaign Contributions Read More »
The results of this year’s midterm elections are in and there were many big wins for the health of Vermont’s families, environment and democracy in the mix — from the election of outspoken public interest champions to the passage of progressive local ballot measures. Leading up to the election, we were proud to have recruited …
80+ No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers win in VT election Read More »
Conventional wisdom suggested that 2018 would be another year of very low voter participation in Vermont. After all, we didn’t have hot races for the US Senate or House, and in the last non-presidential election year – 2014 – Vermont experienced its worst voter turnout in more than 50 years. Boy did conventional wisdom get …
Town Clerks all around Vermont have been excited to report that there has been a surge of early voting in the state, with over 17,000 Vermonters already having voted. With the upcoming Midterm elections on November 6th, Vermonters are submitting their ballots in a variety of ways — including voting by mail and early voting …
For the past few weekends, canvassers have been traveling all around Vermont engaging in conversations with Vermonters about the importance of voting. With election season here, VPIRG knows that it’s more important than ever to get folks thinking about how and when they’re going to vote. This is why VPIRG’s canvassers aren’t only having conversations …
With election season right around the corner, we realize that all the information about voting along with all the promotion and campaigning done by candidates can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stay active and informed in your community. To help Vermonters see through the commotion that comes before Election Day on November 6th, VPIRG …
Now more than ever, Vermonters need elected officials who are willing to take bold action towards reducing our dependence on dirty energy and fossil fuels. Despite broad consensus that we must transition away from dirty fossil fuels, Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. From reduced snowfall, to extreme weather events and increased energy costs, …
With only five weeks until Election Day, it’s time for Vermonters to start thinking about how and when you are going to cast your vote. Now that voting in Vermont is so simple, the only thing to do is make sure to have a concrete plan in place to get out and vote. It is …
