VPIRG is urging all candidates for public office in Vermont to support a ban on so-called pay-to-play activity related to state contracts. Recent controversies over related practices have involved members of both the Democratic and Republican parties. Lt. Gov. Phil Scott recently announced that he would sell his portion of his construction business if he is …
“Pay-to-play” corruption must be addressed in VT Read More »
It’s been a crazy few months here at VPIRG, with our advocates have been hard at work in the State House day after day and our team of field organizers doing an incredible job hitting the phones, organizing events, meeting with activists, and having the face-to-face conversations that truly drive our work. Here are just a …
Governor Peter Shumlin signed H.458 into law Thursday, making Vermont the fourth state in the country to enact automatic voter registration. The new law will essentially flip voter registration procedures at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Under current law, the DMV requires Vermonters to “opt in” to voter registration. But beginning in July 2017, Vermonters …
VT becomes fourth state to enact automatic voter registration Read More »
The Vermont Senate voted 19-6 in favor of S. 220, an act related to the public financing of campaigns, and sent it to the House for consideration. The bill makes improvements in our current law by allowing publicly financed candidates to run more competitive campaigns. Public financing of campaigns is a crucial step towards countering the …
VT Senate approves changes to public financing of campaigns Read More »
Our democracy was founded on the principle of “one person, one vote”, but it’s no secret that many Americans feel their vote doesn’t count. From the overwhelming influence of big money in politics to restrictive voting laws, barriers are disempowering Americans and pushing us away from participating in the political process. The result is a …
Today, the Vermont House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) in Vermont. With a vote of 137-0 on H. 458, House members stood up to modernize our voter registration system and reduce the barriers to democratic participation at a time when many states around the country are working to make it more difficult …
The 2016 Vermont legislative session is here! VPIRG is excited to build on the nearly 45 years of success that we have achieved together and continue working in the State House to protect our environment, watch out for consumers and put Vermont on a path to a sustainable future. Click on a program name below to …
Vermont has just taken another important step towards getting more eligible Vermonters registered to vote. On Thursday, Secretary of State Jim Condos announced the roll out of a new online voter registration system. Thanks to this new system, Vermonters can easily register to vote from home or wherever they access the internet, continuing to make …
Governor Peter Shumlin signed S.29 – the Election Day registration bill – into law today, at a ceremony at the Montpelier City Hall. This law makes Vermont the 14th state to enact Election Day registration – joining a group that includes Vermont neighbors Maine and New Hampshire. Beginning in 2017, all eligible Vermonters will be …
Governor Signs Election Day Registration into Law Read More »
The Vermont House of Representatives voted 87-54 to pass S.29, a bill allowing Election Day registration in the state. Beginning in 2017, all eligible Vermonters will have the opportunity to register to vote on Election Day. Under current law, any Vermonter who wants to vote on Election Day must be registered by the previous Wednesday. …
