Montpelier, VT – In a press conference held at her 128 State Street office today, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas announced the formation of a new Voting Accessibility Task Force.
The Task Force will meet monthly. Its purpose will be to identify barriers that can prevent eligible voters from participating in elections, and to develop recommendations and actionable plans to remove those barriers. As of 2024, over 80% of Vermonters are registered to vote, and over 70% voted in the last two presidential election years. Nationally, 73% of Americans are registered, and 65% voted in the 2024 presidential election.
“While Vermont has above-average voter registration and participation, we know that there are still folks out there who are being left on the sidelines” explained Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “Our democracy is strongest when everyone is able to participate. I’m excited for this Task Force to work out ways in which we can make sure all eligible voters are able to make their voice heard in our elections, including the local and state elections that make such a direct difference in our daily lives.”
“Civic participation is a critical component of health and well-being in the community,” said Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson. "We are eager to work with the Office of the Secretary of State and other taskforce members to find and knock down barriers that make it harder to vote. Ensuring everyone has equal access to the ballot is another way we can ensure inclusion.”
“Expanding voter engagement means making sure every Vermonter’s voice can be heard—including those who are incarcerated,” said Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Kristin Calver. “We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the Secretary of State's Office and other key partners to strengthen Vermonters’ fundamental right to participate in our democracy.”
“Disability Rights Vermont’s advocacy for these vulnerable populations is not a new chapter for us, but we could not be more excited to see what this Task Force can do to really address the barriers that have been identified along the way,” said Executive Director Lindsey St.Amour. “There is still a lot to do, and this is the perfect time to listen to the voices of those communities that are being heavily impacted and hurt without consideration or consultation. We hear from Vermonters with disabilities routinely with gratitude for feeling heard; your vote is your voice and we are here to help intentionally amplify these voices from these vulnerable and valuable communities.”
“When survivors vote, we take a step towards a world free from violence,” said Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence Sarah Robinson. “Every ballot cast strengthens our democracy and gives power back to survivors. We thank Secretary Copeland Hanzas for her leadership on voting accessibility and commitment to making survivors’ voices heard.”
A recording of the Press Conference can be viewed here