MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – State lawmakers are considering a bill that would protect election workers from threats to their safety.
In recent years, election officials and poll workers say they’re facing a spike in threats, causing some town clerks to close in-person services without an appointment.
If the bill passes, those found to be intentionally interfering with voters, election officials, or the electoral process could face extra fines and charges. Vermont’s Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas (D-Vt.) is blaming the uptick on rhetoric coming out of Washington.
“We have seen across the country a massive turnover in people who are willing to be election officials since 2020. The rhetoric we’re seeing in 2026 is not making that any easier,” she said at a recent press conference.
The bill passed the House earlier this month, and is now in front of the state Senate.
