Updated: 7:46 PM EST Jan 19, 2026
WINOOSKI, Vt. —
Vermont Democratic lawmakers are pushing new legislation they say is aimed at preserving and expanding access to the ballot box, announcing plans for a state-level Voting Rights Act amid growing concern over actions at the federal level.
The proposal, announced Monday, would codify key protections of the landmark federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 into Vermont law. Supporters say the move is necessary as national voting protections face legal and political challenges in Washington.
“We are witnessing the erosion of voting protections, protections many believed were settled law,” said Sen. Joe Major, D–White River Junction.
Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D–Shelburne, echoed that concern, saying, “Not in the last 60 years has the right to vote been so under threat and under attack.”
The original Voting Rights Act outlawed discriminatory practices at the polls, including literacy tests, poll taxes, and racial gerrymandering, and dramatically expanded voter participation nationwide. Vermont’s proposal would not only make those protections state law, but also go further by expanding access for voters who face barriers.
The bill includes provisions for expanded language assistance and new accommodations for elderly and disabled voters. Among those accommodations is allowing some voters to complete their ballots outside of a polling location.
Advocates say those changes should be part of the package.
“Although Vermont scores high in overall access to the vote, it is ranked 49th in access to the vote for people with disabilities,” Laura Cushman, a staff attorney with Disability Rights Vermont, said.
Vermont would not be alone in adopting a state-level Voting Rights Act. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nine other states, including neighboring New York, have enacted similar laws.
The push comes as Vermont is already facing a lawsuit tied to its election laws. Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas declined to turn over certain voter data to federal officials last year. Copeland Hanzas has argued that stronger state-level protections are necessary in the current political climate.
“Who knew that in 2026, each state would need to stand as a barrier?” she said.
Sen. Scott Beck, R–St. Johnsbury, said efforts to strengthen voting protections can be worthwhile, but added that Vermont’s election system could benefit from clearer, more consistent rules.
“Our mishmash right now of some elections have mail-in ballots, some don’t, I think, is very confusing to voters,” Beck said.
Separately, House Republican Rep. Mike Tagliavia has introduced two separate bills: one requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and another to mandate voter identification. Those ideas have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats.
“I appreciate when we have bills like that,” Sen Major said, “Because if they in fact come to the floor… it’ll let the general public find out why it’s nonsense.”
Vermont’s voting rights bill is expected to be formally introduced this week and assigned to committee.