Bill > H0066

This bill modifies Vermont's election laws in two primary ways. First, it changes the requirements for write-in candidates to qualify as primary winners by stipulating that a write-in candidate must receive at least the same number of votes as the number of signatures required for their specific office on a primary petition. However, if a write-in candidate receives more votes than any other candidate whose name is printed on the ballot, they can automatically qualify as a primary winner. Second, the bill eliminates a major political party's ability to nominate a candidate for the general election if they failed to nominate a candidate during the primary election. Specifically, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed a statement to be filed to address such a party's failure to nominate a candidate, effectively preventing major political parties from finding alternative nomination paths after missing the primary election. The changes are technical in nature and aim to tighten the rules around primary election candidate qualifications. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.