The Vermont Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, recently announced an important upgrade to Vermont’s Online Campaign Finance System and Lobbying Information System. This move aims to modernize how information is reported, accessed, and shared, ensuring better transparency and accountability in Vermont’s democratic processes.
Streamlined Systems for Better Democracy
The Secretary of State’s Elections Division, comprising a team of six, plays a vital role in ensuring fair and transparent elections in Vermont. It oversees campaign finance reporting, lobbyist disclosures, and administers Vermont’s elections through online systems.
“Transparency and accountability in campaign finance and lobbying activities are crucial to maintaining a healthy democracy,” said Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “Vermonters deserve to know how money is influencing campaigns, legislators, and other officials.”
How the System Works
Under Vermont law, candidates running for public office are required to submit campaign finance reports at regular intervals throughout the year if they meet specific thresholds. These reports provide detailed information about campaign funding sources, ensuring voters can make informed decisions.
During the 2024 election cycle, the Secretary of State’s office introduced publicly accessible campaign finance reports after each filing deadline. These reports help the public see which candidates have filed their reports and who has yet to comply.
Similarly, Vermont’s legislative session, which runs from January to May, requires lobbyists to register with the Secretary of State’s office. They must disclose all financial activity related to their lobbying efforts, such as advertising expenses, contracts, gifts to legislators, and contributions to their immediate families.
The Scope of Reporting
Between 2014 and 2024, Vermont’s Campaign Finance System processed more than 14,000 reports from candidates, political parties, and committees. Notably, nearly 2,800 reports were filed in the 2023–2024 election cycle alone. The Lobbying Information System, on the other hand, was utilized by 727 lobbyists representing 563 employers during the 2023–2024 biennium.
The new systems are designed to allow the public to easily search and navigate these records, providing a clearer picture of financial activities related to campaigns and lobbying efforts.
Modernizing the Process
“These online systems were aging, and modernizing them enhances their functionality and user experience,” explained Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “Improved systems mean better information for the public, which aligns with our mission to strengthen Vermont’s democracy.”
To achieve these improvements, the Elections Division initiated a competitive bidding process in 2023 for the upgrade. Two software companies were selected:
- ReFrame Solutions, specializing in public service platforms, upgraded the Campaign Finance System.
- Stonewall Solutions modernized the Lobbying Information System.
Both projects were completed on schedule and within budget.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort
The upgrades required substantial coordination between multiple stakeholders. Elections Division Director Seán Sheehan praised the collaborative efforts, saying, “This has been a major effort for our team, who worked tirelessly to bring these new systems online while managing the 2024 General Election cycle.”
Sheehan also thanked ReFrame Solutions, Stonewall Solutions, and Vermont’s Agency of Digital Services for their crucial roles in the successful completion of the project. The modernized systems are expected to simplify the process for candidates and lobbyists while improving public access to critical information.
What’s Next for Vermont’s Democracy?
These upgrades demonstrate Vermont’s commitment to promoting transparency and trust in its electoral processes. With easier access to campaign and lobbying data, Vermonters are now better equipped to understand the financial dynamics behind elections and legislative actions.
“This is about empowering our citizens with information,” said Secretary Copeland Hanzas. “When people have access to high-quality, accurate data, it strengthens their faith in the democratic process.”
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
