Vermont Considers Bill to Protect Election Workers

Proposed legislation aims to address threats against officials and poll workers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Vermont state lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose additional fines and charges for those found to be intentionally interfering with voters, election officials, or the electoral process. The move comes in response to a spike in threats against election workers in recent years, which has led some town clerks to close in-person services without an appointment.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to address growing concerns about the safety and security of election workers, which has contributed to high turnover in these roles across the country since the 2020 election cycle. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is seen as critical to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.

The details

The bill, which has already passed the Vermont House, would allow for enhanced penalties against individuals who threaten or harass election officials and poll workers. Vermont's Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, has attributed the uptick in threats to divisive rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C.

  • The bill passed the Vermont House earlier this month.
  • The bill is now in front of the state Senate.

The players

Sarah Copeland Hanzas

The Democratic Secretary of State of Vermont, who has cited divisive national rhetoric as a contributing factor to the increase in threats against election workers.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Vermont Secretary of State (WCAX)

What’s next

The state Senate will now consider the bill, which aims to provide additional legal protections for election workers in Vermont.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation in Vermont reflects a broader national concern about the safety and security of election officials, which has contributed to high turnover in these critical roles. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is seen as essential to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.