An act relating to miscellaneous changes to election law

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tanya Vyhovsky

S.98 makes miscellaneous amendments to Vermont election law to improve administration, compliance, and accessibility.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations

Summary of Bill S.98 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and intent

S.98 is an act focused on miscellaneous changes to Vermont election law. While the full text would provide complete detail, the bill’s title and legislative disposition indicate its aim is to adjust various election-related provisions to improve administration, compliance, or accessibility within Vermont’s electoral system.

Key provisions and changes (as typical for “miscellaneous changes to election law” bills)

The bill is described as introducing multiple adjustments rather than a single, cohesive reform. Expected areas often addressed in such packages include:

Voter registration processes or deadlines
Election administration and duties of election officials
Ballot access or eligibility criteria
Ballot tracking, absentee/mail voting procedures
However, the exact substantive provisions of S.98 would be detailed in the bill text and committee amendments

Note: Without the specific text, the precise changes to statutes, affected sections, and any new rules or exceptions cannot be enumerated here.

Who would be affected

Voters: changes to registration, voting procedures, or accessibility could impact how and when individuals vote.

Election officials and local clerks: potential adjustments to administrative responsibilities, timelines, and reporting requirements.

Campaigns and political actors: any changes to ballot access, deadlines, or submission procedures could influence campaign operations.

State and local government: modifications to election law can affect funding, oversight, and compliance activities.

Procedural and timeline considerations

The bill was read for the first time on February 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

It bears the sponsorship of Rep. Tanya Vyhovsky as a co-sponsor, indicating legislative support and a sponsor’s interest in shaping election administration.

As a 2025-2026 session bill, it will move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration. Final passage would depend on committee reports, floor votes, and any reconciliation with the Senate version if applicable.

Additional notes

For a precise understanding of S.98’s impact, the complete bill text, sponsor memo, and any committee amendments are essential. These documents would specify:

The exact sections amended or added to Vermont statutes
Effective dates for new provisions
Any anticipated fiscal impact or implementation costs
sunset provisions or transitional rules, if any

If you’d like, I can update this summary to reflect the bill’s actual text and amendments once the full bill language is available.