Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, a landmark civil rights law, aimed to dismantle Jim Crow and systemic discrimination nationwide. Since then, it has faced challenges in the Supreme Court and in Congress. Now in 2026, the Court’s pending decision in Louisiana v. Callais could eliminate key provisions that have protected voters from racial discrimination for 60 years.
A weakened federal VRA prompts states like Vermont to consider our own laws. Eight states have already enacted stronger protections against discriminatory voting practices. We plan to establish a Vermont VRA to safeguard Vermonters regardless of SCOTUS’s decision.
Here at VPIRG, we believe that every Vermonter deserves an equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy. This begins with guaranteeing full and fair access to the ballot and extends to representation that accurately reflects their voice. No one should face exclusion or disadvantages due to race, language, age, or physical disability. A healthy democracy relies on removing participation barriers and guaranteeing that all communities can vote and be represented equally.
What does the Vermont VRA do?
The Vermont Voting Rights Act is intended to enhance election integrity by aiming to prevent discrimination, safeguard voters, election workers, and promote fair representation. It clearly forbids discrimination in voting and election procedures based on race, color, or language-minority status.
The legislation would prohibit suppression practices that reduce the voting power of protected communities. It will also limit the use of municipal electoral districts if they hinder voters from protected classes from electing candidates of their choice or effectively influencing election results.
To expand ballot access and support voters at the polls, Vermont’s VRA:
- Provides language assistance provisions for voters with limited English proficiency
- Expands voting support options for voters aged 65 or older and voters with disabilities.
- Encourages voter participation by establishing a Voter Education and Outreach Fund to promote public awareness and engagement in elections.
The bill strengthens election administration and oversight by prohibiting municipalities from making last minute electoral changes within 60 days of a general election. It would also require municipalities to obtain approval from the Attorney General’s office before implementing changes to electoral districts or voting systems, helping prevent discriminatory or disruptive changes before they take effect.
Finally, it enhances election security and fairness by criminalizing voter intimidation, the dissemination of false election information to voters, and other forms of interference with voting.
For purposes of legislative reapportionment, it also requires that incarcerated individuals be counted at their residential address prior to incarceration, rather than at the location of incarceration
We are advocating for Vermont’s General Assembly to pass S.298, and enact Vermont’s own Voting Rights Act.