reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2306. Procedure upon failure to hold caucus

§ 2306. Procedure upon failure to hold caucus
If the voters of the party residing in any town fail to hold a caucus on the day designated by the State chair, any three or more voters of the party residing in the town may call and hold a caucus at any time thereafter, in the manner provided in sections 2303 through 2305 of this chapter. Those voters calling the caucus shall designate one person among them to perform the duties prescribed in section 2303 for the town chair. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2307. Certification of officers and county committee delegates

§ 2307. Certification of officers and county committee delegates
(a) Within 72 hours after the caucus, the chair and secretary of the town committee shall submit to the chairs of the State and county committees a copy of the notice calling the meeting and a certified list of the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mails of the officers and members of the town committee and of the delegates to the county committee.
(b) A committee is not considered organized until a certificate of organization is filed by the State committee with the Secretary of State pursuant to section 2313 of this chapter.
(c) The Secretary of State shall furnish forms for this purpose to the chair of the State committee of a political party. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2308. Composition of county committee

§ 2308. Composition of county committee
(a) The number of delegates to the county committee that each town caucus is entitled to elect shall be apportioned by the State committee, based upon the number of votes cast for the party’s candidate for Governor in the last election, provided that each town caucus shall be entitled to elect at least two delegates.
(b) Delegates to the county committee shall be voters of the town, but need not be members of the town committee.
(c) Delegates shall serve for two years following their election or until their successors are elected or appointed. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2309. First meeting of county committee

§ 2309. First meeting of county committee
(a)(1) The chair of the State committee shall set a date for the first meeting of each county committee.
(2) The State chair shall notify the chairs of the county committees of the date of the meeting.
(3)(A) The chair of the county committee shall set the hour and place of the meeting and shall notify all delegates-elect by mail or electronic mail not less than 10 days prior to the meeting.
(B) If the chair of the county committee receives notice that a town committee within the county has organized 10 or fewer days before the date of the first meeting of the county committee, the chair shall notify the newly elected members within 48 hours of receiving notice of the organized town committee.
(b)(1) At the time and place set for the meeting, the delegates shall proceed to elect their officers and perfect an organization of the county committee for the ensuing two years.
(2) All officers and other members of the county committee and all delegates to the State committee shall be voters of the county. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 65; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2310. Election of State committee

§ 2310. Election of State committee
(a)(1) The chair of the county committee shall be a member of the State committee.
(2) Each county committee shall be entitled to elect at least two additional members of the State committee. These delegates need not be members of the county committee.
(3) If the rules or bylaws of a State committee provide for apportionment of additional members of the State committee to come from the county, the county committee also shall elect those additional members.
(b) All county committee members and officers and all persons elected to the State committee shall be voters in the county from which they are elected.
(c) County committee members and delegates to the State committee shall serve for two years following their election or until their successors are elected or appointed. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2007, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Feb. 21, 2008; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2311. Certification of county officers and State committee members

§ 2311. Certification of county officers and State committee members
(a) Within 72 hours of the first meeting of the county committee, its chair and secretary shall submit to the chair of the State committee a copy of the notice calling the meeting and a certified list of the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mails of the officers of the county committee and of the members elected by the county committee to the State committee.
(b) A committee is not considered organized until a certificate of organization is filed by the State committee with the Secretary of State pursuant to section 2313 of this chapter.
(c) The Secretary of State shall prescribe and furnish forms for this purpose. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1985, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2312. First meeting of the State committee

§ 2312. First meeting of the State committee
(a) The chair of the State committee shall name an hour and place of meeting, at which time the members-elect of the State committee shall meet and perfect an organization of the State committee for the ensuing two years.
(b) The chair of the State committee shall notify all members-elect of the State committee in writing, at least 10 days before the day set for the meeting. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2313. Filing of certificate of organization

§ 2313. Filing of certificate of organization
(a)(1) Within 10 days after the first meeting of the State committee of a party, the chair and secretary shall file in the office of the Secretary of State a certificate stating that the party has completed its organization for the ensuing two years and has substantially complied with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) However, no State committee shall be eligible to file a certificate of organization unless it has town committees organized in at least 30 towns in this State and county committees organized in at least seven counties by January 1 of the year of the general election.
(b) The certificate of organization shall:
(1) set forth the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mails of the officers and members of the State committee, together with the counties that they represent;
(2) contain a listing of the towns and counties in which committees have organized;
(3) designate, in not more than three words, the name by which the party shall be identified on any Australian ballot; and
(4) be accompanied by a copy of the notice calling the meeting.
(c) The Secretary of State shall prescribe and furnish the form to be used for this purpose.
(d) Upon receipt of a certificate of organization, the Secretary of State promptly shall notify all persons who have registered with the Secretary of State asking to be notified of such filings.
(e)(1) Within 10 days, the Secretary of State shall accept a certificate of organization if it appears to be valid on its face or reject it if it is not.
(2) The Secretary of State may reject a certificate of organization if the political or other name is not substantially different from the name of any organized political party.
(3) When a certificate is rejected, the Secretary of State promptly shall notify the chair and secretary of the committee to inform them in writing of the reasons for rejection.
(f) A committee is not considered organized until the material required by this section has been filed and accepted. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1983, No. 90, § 3, eff. April 29, 1983; 2001, No. 5, § 16; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2314. Officers required

§ 2314. Officers required
Every committee of a political party is required to elect a chair, a vice chair, a secretary, and a treasurer, who need not be members of the committee at the time of their election, but who become members, with full voting rights, upon their election. A committee may also elect from among its members such other officers as it deems appropriate to its work. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2317. Voters not to participate in more than one party

§ 2317. Voters not to participate in more than one party
A voter shall not vote in a town, county, or State caucus of more than one party in the same 12-month period, nor shall any voter simultaneously hold membership on the committees of more than one political party. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2318. Organization of minor political parties

§ 2318. Organization of minor political parties
A minor political party may organize in the manner set forth in this subchapter or in another manner that its members deem appropriate. Minor political parties shall comply with the filing requirements of sections 2307, 2311 to the extent applicable, and 2313 of this chapter, except that they need not be organized in 30 towns or in seven counties. They shall also comply with the procedural requirements of sections 2303 through 2306 and 2313 of this title, but need not comply with other procedural requirements in sections 2301, 2302, 2308 through 2310, and 2312 of this title. Minor political parties shall also comply with sections 2314 through 2317 of this title. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 12.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 45 - Political Parties › § 2319. Party conventions for platforms

§ 2319. Party conventions for platforms
On or before the fourth Tuesday in September in each even-numbered year, upon the call of the chair of the State committee of the party, a party platform convention of each organized political party shall be held to make and adopt the platform of the party. (Added 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2019, No. 67, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 47 - Party Organization › § 2321. Representative district committee

§ 2321. Representative district committee
The “representative district committee” of a party shall consist of those members of the town committee residing in a representative district. A representative district committee may encompass less than an entire town or may extend across town lines. Such a committee shall elect its own officers when called upon to meet, but it need not meet unless required to perform some function under this title. Any three members may call the first meeting by giving at least five days’ written notice to all other members; thereafter, the committee shall meet at the call of the chair. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2003, No. 59, § 8; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 14.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 47 - Party Organization › § 2322. Senatorial district committee

§ 2322. Senatorial district committee
The “senatorial district committee” of a party shall consist of those members of the county committee residing in a senatorial district. A senatorial district committee may encompass less than an entire county or may extend across county lines. Such a committee shall elect its own officers when called upon to meet, but it need not meet unless required to perform some function under this title. Any three members may call the first meeting by giving at least five days’ written notice to all other members; thereafter, the committee shall meet at the call of the chair. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2003, No. 59, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 47 - Party Organization › § 2323. Probate district committee

§ 2323. Probate district committee
The “probate district committee” of a party shall consist of those members of the county committee residing in a probate district. Such a committee shall elect its own officers when called upon to meet, but it need not meet unless required to perform some function under this title. The chair of the county committee may call the first meeting by giving at least five days’ written notice to all other members; thereafter the committee shall meet at the call of the probate district chair. (Added 1981, No. 239 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; amended 2003, No. 59, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2351. Primary election

§ 2351. Primary election
A primary election shall be held on the second Tuesday in August in each even-numbered year for the nomination of candidates of major political parties for all offices to be voted for at the succeeding general election, except candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, their electors, and justices of the peace. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 7, 2010; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2352. Nomination of candidates prior to special election

§ 2352. Nomination of candidates prior to special election
When the Governor or any court, pursuant to law, orders a special election to be held for any of the offices covered by section 2351 of this title, a special primary election shall be held on the Tuesday that falls not less than 60 days nor more than 66 days prior to the date set for the special election. The nomination of candidates prior to a special election, including nomination both by primary and by other means, shall be governed by the rules applicable to nomination of candidates prior to the general election, except as may be specifically provided in this chapter. The term “general election,” as used in this chapter, shall be deemed to include a special election, unless the context requires a different interpretation. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 7, 2010.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2353. Petitions to place names on ballot

§ 2353. Petitions to place names on ballot
(a) The name of any person shall be printed upon the primary ballot as a candidate for nomination by any major political party for the office indicated, if a petition containing the requisite number of signatures made by registered voters, in substantially the following form, is filed with the proper official, together with the person’s written consent to having his or her name printed on the ballot:
(b)(1) A person’s name shall not be listed as a candidate on the primary ballot of more than one party in the same election.
(2) A single petition shall contain only one office for which a person seeks to be a candidate.
(3) A person shall file a separate petition for each office for which he or she seeks to be a candidate. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2007, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. May 6, 2008; 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 7, 2010; 2017, No. 50, § 7; 2019, No. 67, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2354. Signing petitions

§ 2354. Signing petitions
(a) Any number of voters may sign the same petition.
(b)(1) A voter’s signature shall not be valid unless at the time he or she signs, the voter is registered and qualified to vote for the candidate whose petition he or she signs.
(2) Each voter shall indicate his or her town of residence next to his or her signature.
(c) The signature of a voter on a candidate’s petition does not necessarily indicate that the voter supports the candidate.
(d) A petition shall contain the name of only one candidate. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2017, No. 50, § 8; 2019, No. 67, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2355. Number of signatures required

§ 2355. Number of signatures required
The number of signatures on primary petitions shall be not less than:
(1) for State and congressional officers, 500;
(2) for county officers or State senator, 100; and
(3) for Representative to the General Assembly, 50. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 120.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2356. Time for filing petitions

§ 2356. Time for filing petitions
(a) Primary petitions for major party candidates shall be filed not earlier than the fourth Monday in April and not later than 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday after the first Monday in May preceding the primary election prescribed by section 2351 of this chapter, and not later than 5:00 p.m. of the 62nd day prior to the day of a special primary election.
(b) A petition or statement of nomination shall apply only to the election cycle in which the petition or statement of nomination is filed. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 19; 2003, No. 59, § 11; 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 7, 2010; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. Jan. 1, 2016; 2017, No. 50, § 9.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2357. Place of filing petition

§ 2357. Place of filing petition
(a) Primary petitions and consent forms shall be filed as follows:
(1) For State and congressional officers, with the Secretary of State;
(2) For county officers with the county clerk;
(3) For State Senator, with the senatorial district clerk;
(4) For Representative to the General Assembly, with the representative district clerk.
(b) The public official designated to accept a petition shall not accept a nominating petition unless a completed and signed consent form is filed at the same time. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2007, No. 54, § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2358. Examining petitions; supplementary petitions

§ 2358. Examining petitions; supplementary petitions
(a) The officer with whom primary petitions are filed shall examine them and ascertain whether they contain a sufficient number of legible signatures. The officer shall not attempt to ascertain whether there are a sufficient number of signatures of actual voters, however, unless the officer has reason to believe that the petitions are defective in this respect.
(b) If found not to conform, he or she shall state in writing on a particular petition why it cannot be accepted, and within 72 hours from receipt he or she shall return it to the candidate in whose behalf it was filed. In such case, supplementary petitions may be filed not later than 10 days after the date for filing petitions. However, supplementary petitions shall not be accepted if petitions with signatures of different persons totaling at least the required number were not received by the filing deadline.
(c) A signature shall not count for the purpose of meeting the requirements of section 2355 of this title if the officer with whom primary petitions are filed:
(1) cannot identify the name of the person who signed; or
(2) if necessary, determines that the person is not on the checklist of the town that the person indicates as his or her town of residence.
(d) An officer with whom primary petitions may be filed may obtain from the appropriate town clerks certified copies of current checklists as needed to verify the adequacy of primary petitions; town clerks who are asked by a filing officer to furnish certified copies of checklists for this purpose shall furnish the copies promptly and without charge. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 20; 1985, No. 197 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2359. Notification to Secretary of State

§ 2359. Notification to Secretary of State
Within three days after the last day for filing petitions, all town and county clerks who have received petitions shall notify the Secretary of State of the names of all candidates, the offices for which they have filed, and whether each has submitted a sufficient number of valid signatures to comply with the requirements of section 2355 of this title. Town and county clerks shall also notify the Secretary of State of any petitions found not to conform to the requirements of this chapter and returned to a candidate under section 2358 of this title, and shall notify the Secretary of State of the status of such petition not later than two days after the last day for filing supplementary petitions. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 21.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2360. Preservation of petitions

§ 2360. Preservation of petitions
The Secretary of State and county and town clerks shall retain the primary petitions filed with them until 30 days following the general election for which they were used, at which time they may be destroyed. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2361. Consent of candidate

§ 2361. Consent of candidate
(a) A candidate for whom petitions containing sufficient valid signatures have been filed shall file with the official with whom the petitions were filed a consent to the printing of the candidate’s name on the ballot. The Secretary of State shall prepare and furnish forms for this purpose.
(b)(1) The consent shall set forth the name of the candidate, as the candidate wishes to have it printed on the ballot, the candidate’s town of residence, and correct mailing address.
(2) If a candidate wishes to use a nickname, the format on the ballot shall be the candidate’s first name, the nickname set off in quotations, and the candidate’s last name.
(A) A nickname of one or two words by which the candidate has been commonly known for at least three years preceding the election may be used in combination with a candidate’s name. A nickname that constitutes a slogan or otherwise indicates a political, economic, social, or religious view or affiliation may not be used.
(B) A nickname may not be used unless the candidate executes and files with the application for a place on the ballot an affidavit indicating that the nickname complies with this subsection.
(3) Professional titles such as “Dr.,” “Esq.,” or “CPA” shall not be used as part of a candidate’s name on the ballot.
(c) The consent shall be filed on or before the day petitions are due. Unless a consent is filed, the candidate’s name shall not be printed on the primary ballot. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1985, No. 137 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2001, No. 83 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2003, No. 59, § 12; 2017, No. 50, § 10; 2021, No. 60, § 1, eff. June 7, 2021.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2362. Primary ballots

§ 2362. Primary ballots
(a) A separate ballot for each major political party shall be printed and furnished to the towns by the Secretary of State and shall contain the names of all candidates for nomination by that party at the primary. Ballots shall be printed on index stock and configured to be readable by vote tabulators. Ballots shall be printed in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL VERMONT PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT
VOTE ON ONE PARTY BALLOT ONLY AND PLACE IN BALLOT BOX OR VOTE TABULATOR
ALL OTHER PARTY BALLOTS MUST BE PLACED IN UNVOTED BALLOT BOX
____________
[MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY NAME]
____________
Instructions to voters: Use black pen or pencil to fill in the oval. To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, fill in the oval to the right of the name of that person. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write or stick his or her name in the blank space provided and fill in the oval to the right of the write-in space. Do not vote for more candidates than the “Vote for Not More Than” number for an office. If you make a mistake, tear, or deface the ballot, return it to an election official and obtain another ballot. Do not erase.
(b) Following the names of candidates printed on the ballot after the name of each office to be filled shall be as many blank lines for write-in candidates as there are persons to be elected to that office. If no primary petition is filed for an office or for a candidate belonging to a party, the ballot shall contain the name of the office and blank lines for write-in candidates. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2007, No. 54, § 2; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 20; 2015, No. 30, § 4, eff. May 26, 2015; 2017, No. 50, § 11.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2363. Voter’s choice of party

§ 2363. Voter’s choice of party
(a) A voter shall vote for the candidates of one party only. A person voting at the primary shall not be required to indicate his or her party choice to any election official.
(b) [Repealed.] (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 23; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 2017, No. 50, § 12.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2368. Canvassing committee meetings

§ 2368. Canvassing committee meetings
After the primary election is conducted:
(1) The canvassing committee for State and national offices and statewide public questions shall meet at 10 a.m. one week after the day of the election.
(2) The canvassing committee for county offices, countywide public questions, and State Senator shall meet at 10 a.m. on the third day following the election.
(3) The canvassing committees for local offices, local public questions, and State Representative shall meet at 10 a.m. on the day after the election, except that in the case of canvassing committees for State Representative in multi-town representative districts, the committees shall meet at 10 a.m. on the third day after the election. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; amended 1985, No. 197 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2019, No. 67, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2369. Determining winner; tie votes

§ 2369. Determining winner; tie votes
(a) A person who receives a plurality of all the votes cast by a party in a primary shall be a candidate of that party for the office designated on the ballot.
(b)(1) If, after the period for requesting a recount under section 2602 of this title has expired, no candidate has requested a recount and two or more candidates of the same party are tied for the same office, or if the results of any recount result in a tie, the choice among those tied shall be determined upon five days’ notice and not later than 10 days following the primary election by the committee of that party, which shall meet to nominate a candidate from among the tied candidates. The committee that nominates a candidate shall be as follows:
(A) the State committee of a party for a State or congressional office;
(B) the senatorial district committee for State Senate;
(C) the county committee for county office; or
(D) the representative district committee for a Representative to the General Assembly.
(2) The committee chair shall certify the candidate nomination for the general election to the Secretary of State within 48 hours of the nomination. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. April 7, 2010; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 70; 2017, No. 50, § 13; 2019, No. 67, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2370. Write-in candidates

§ 2370. Write-in candidates
(a) A write-in candidate shall not qualify as a primary winner unless he or she receives at least one-half the number of votes as the number of signatures required for his or her office on a primary petition, except that if a write-in candidate receives more votes than a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot, he or she may qualify as a primary winner.
(b) The write-in candidate who qualifies as a primary winner under this section must still be determined a winner under section 2369 of this chapter before he or she becomes the party’s candidate in the general election. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 17.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2371. Nominees; notice to nominees

§ 2371. Nominees; notice to nominees
(a) The canvassing committee shall prepare and sign certificates of nomination and mail or deliver in person to each candidate nominated a notice of his or her nomination within two days after their meeting. On each certificate the canvassing committee shall indicate the name, town of residence, party affiliation, and mailing address of the candidate nominated. At the same time that they mail or deliver the certificates of nomination, the canvassing committees shall also file with the office of the Secretary of State a list showing the vote for each candidate of each party for each office.
(b) Unless a person who is notified of being nominated withdraws the candidacy, the person’s name, residence, and party affiliation shall be printed upon the general election ballot in the same manner as they appear in the notice of nomination; provided, however, that within five days of the date of mailing or personal delivery a candidate may request that an error in the candidate’s name, residence, or party affiliation be corrected or that the candidate’s preference as to the candidate’s own name be used on the ballot. The candidate shall also have the right to make the choice as set forth in section 2474 of this title. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; amended 1985, No. 197 (Adj. Sess.) § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2381. Applicability of subchapter

§ 2381. Applicability of subchapter
(a) A candidate may also be nominated and have the candidate’s name printed on the general election ballot in accordance with the provisions set forth in this subchapter, in the following instances:
(1) In case of a vacancy on the general election ballot occasioned by death, removal, or withdrawal of a candidate, or the failure of a major political party to nominate a candidate by primary;
(2) In case a minor political party desires to nominate a candidate for any office for which major political parties nominate candidates by primary or for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States;
(3) In case of nomination for the office of justice of the peace, in the event that such nomination has not already been made by caucus as provided in section 2413 of this chapter.
(b) In no event may any committee nominate a candidate or candidates for statewide office under this subchapter unless the political party has town committees organized in at least 10 towns in this State in accordance with procedures in chapter 45 of this title. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 198 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 26; 1985, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 24; 2015, No. 30, § 5, eff. May 26, 2015; 2017, No. 50, § 14.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2382. Which committee to nominate

§ 2382. Which committee to nominate
Nominations of party candidates pursuant to this subchapter shall be made by the following political committee of the party:
(1) By the State committee in the case of President and Vice President of the United States or State or congressional officers;
(2) By the county committee in the case of county officers;
(3) By the senatorial district committee in the case of the office of State Senator;
(4) By the representative district committee in the case of the office of Representative to the General Assembly;
(5) By the town committee in the case of the office of justice of the peace. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2017, No. 50, § 15.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2383. Notice of meetings

§ 2383. Notice of meetings
The chair of the appropriate committee, or if the chair has not called a meeting then any three members of the committee, may set a date, time, and place for a committee meeting for the nomination of candidates pursuant to this subchapter and shall give not less than five days’ notice in writing to all members of the committee. The notice shall specifically state the offices for which nominations may be made. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2384. Procedure upon meeting

§ 2384. Procedure upon meeting
At the time and place set for the meeting, the committee shall proceed to nominate such candidates as it may desire pursuant to this subchapter. Nomination shall require a majority of those present and voting, and if no candidate shall have received a majority after two ballots, the candidate with the lowest number of votes in the second and in each succeeding ballot shall be eliminated until a candidate receives a majority. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2385. Statement by committee officers; consent of candidate

§ 2385. Statement by committee officers; consent of candidate
(a) When a nomination is made under the provisions of this subchapter, the chair and the secretary of the committee making the nomination shall file a statement of nomination in substantially the following form:
following person (or persons) to be a candidate (or candidates) of the
................................... for the office (or offices) indicated
.........................................
(Name of candidate) (residence) (office for which nominated)
Sworn to before me
........................................
........................................
Notary Public Signature of Chair
........................................
........................................ ”
Date Signature of Secretary
My name (as I wish it to appear on the ballot), town or city of residence, and party are as follows:
________ _____________ _________________________________________
Name (please print) Town of residence (please print)
Party (please print)
____ _________________________________________
Date Signature of Candidate
(e) In the case of nominations by town committee or caucus for the office of justice of the peace, before filing the statement of nomination the chair, acting chair, secretary, or acting secretary shall check with each nominee and confirm that he or she consents to have his or her name printed on the ballot as a candidate for that position and to serve if elected. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 27; 1985, No. 137 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2001, No. 83 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2386. Time for filing statements

§ 2386. Time for filing statements
(a) In the case of the failure of a major political party to nominate a candidate by primary, a statement shall be filed not later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth day following the primary.
(b) In the case of the death or withdrawal of a candidate after the primary election, the party committee shall have seven days from the date of the death or withdrawal to nominate a candidate. In no event shall a statement be filed later than 60 days prior to the general election.
(c)(1) In the case of a nomination by a minor political party, a statement shall be filed not earlier than the fourth Monday in April and not later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the primary election described in section 2351 of this chapter and not later than 5:00 p.m. on the third day prior to the day of a special primary election.
(2) A statement shall apply only to the election cycle in which the statement is filed.
(d) In the case of a nomination for the office of justice of the peace, a statement shall be filed as set forth in section 2413 of this chapter. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 1985, No. 197 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2001, No. 83 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2003, No. 59, § 13; 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. April 7, 2010; 2009, No. 98 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 10, 2010; 2015, No. 30, § 6, eff. May 26, 2015; 2017, No. 50, § 16.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2387. Place for filing statements

§ 2387. Place for filing statements
Statements for the office of justice of the peace shall be filed with the town clerk. All other statements and consents shall be filed with the Secretary of State. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2401. Applicability of subchapter

§ 2401. Applicability of subchapter
A person may be nominated and have his or her name printed on the general election ballot for any office by filing a consent similar in form to the consent prescribed by section 2361 of this title and a statement of nomination with the Secretary of State. In the case of a nomination for justice of the peace, the consent form and statement of nomination shall be filed with the town clerk. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1985, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 1995, No. 95 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2403. Number of candidates; party names

§ 2403. Number of candidates; party names
(a)(1) A statement of nomination shall contain the name of only one candidate, except in the case of presidential and vice presidential candidates, who may be nominated by means of the same statement of nomination.
(2) A single statement of nomination shall contain only one office for which a person seeks to be a candidate.
(b)(1) The political or other name on a statement of nomination shall be substantially different from the name of any organized political party. It shall also be substantially different from the political or other name already appearing on any other statement of nomination for the same office then on file with the same officer for the same election.
(2) If the Secretary of State determines that it is not substantially different, the candidate named on the statement shall select a different political or other name; otherwise the Secretary shall print the word “Independent” on the ballot for that candidate.
(c)(1) Except in the case of presidential and vice presidential candidates, the word “independent” may not be used as part of a party name.
(2) If no party is indicated, the word “Independent” shall be printed on the ballot.
(3) A candidate appearing on the ballot as a candidate of a political party shall not also appear on the ballot as an “Independent.” (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 33; 1985, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2001, No. 5, § 15; 2017, No. 50, § 18; 2019, No. 67, § 10.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2404. Preservation of statements

§ 2404. Preservation of statements
The Secretary of State shall preserve all statements until three months after the general election, after which they may be destroyed. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 34; 1985, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 11.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2412. Withdrawal of candidacy

§ 2412. Withdrawal of candidacy
(a)(1) A candidate who has been validly nominated by one of the methods prescribed in this chapter shall have a right to withdraw his or her candidacy up until 5:00 p.m. on the tenth day following the primary by filing a written notice of withdrawal with the town clerk in the case of a candidate for justice of the peace, and with the Secretary of State in the case of all other offices.
(2) The name of a candidate who has withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall not be printed on the ballot.
(b) After the date described in subdivision (a)(1) of this section, if the candidate has filed a written notice of withdrawal, the town clerk or Secretary of State may still remove the candidate’s name from the ballot up until the printing deadline. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 35; 2003, No. 59, § 14; 2017, No. 50, § 19.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 49 - Nominations › § 2413. Nomination of justices of the peace

§ 2413. Nomination of justices of the peace
(a)(1) The party members in each town, on or before each primary election, upon the call of the town committee, may meet in caucus and nominate candidates for justice of the peace.
(2)(A) The committee shall give notice of the caucus by posting notice at the office of the town clerk and two other public places in the town at least five days prior to the caucus.
(B) In addition, for towns with over 3,000 voters, the committee shall post this notice at least one day prior to the caucus:
(i)(I) in a newspaper of general circulation within the town; or
(II) on a nonpartisan electronic news media website that specializes in news of the State or the community; and
(ii) on the municipality’s website, if the municipality actively updates its website on a regular basis.
(3) [Repealed.]
(b) If it does not hold a caucus as provided in subsection (a) of this section, the town committee shall meet and nominate candidates for justices of the peace as provided in sections 2381 through 2385 of this title. At least three days prior to this meeting, the town committee shall provide notice of the meeting by e-mailing or mailing committee members and by posting notice of the meeting in the office of the town clerk and in two other public places in the town.
(c) In any town in which a political party has not formally organized, any three members of the party who are voters in the town may call a caucus to nominate candidates for justice of the peace by giving notice as required in subsection (a) of this section. Upon meeting, the caucus shall first elect a chair and a secretary. Thereafter the caucus shall nominate its candidates for justice of the peace.
(d) [Repealed.]
(e) For any nomination made under this section, the chair and secretary of the committee or caucus shall file the statement required by section 2385 of this title by 5:00 p.m. on the third day following the primary election. (Added 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 36; amended 2009, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. April 7, 2010; 2009, No. 98 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 10, 2010; 2013, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 18, eff. May 28, 2014; 2015, No. 30, § 8, eff. May 26, 2015.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 51 - Conduct of Elections › § 2451. Board of civil authority

§ 2451. Board of civil authority
(a) The board of civil authority shall have charge of the conduct of elections within the political subdivision for which it is elected.
(b) At any time before an election, the board of civil authority may issue guidance for elections officials that assists officials in conducting elections within the political subdivision. Guidance issued by the board shall not conflict with federal or State elections laws.
(c) A quorum of the board of civil authority shall be available at all times when the polls are open, and those members of the board of civil authority present at a polling place shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business relating to the conduct of the election and the qualification and registration of voters at this polling place. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; 2003, No. 59, § 16.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 51 - Conduct of Elections › § 2452. Presiding officer

§ 2452. Presiding officer
(a) The town clerk shall be the presiding officer unless the town by vote at an annual meeting or by charter shall provide otherwise. If the regular presiding officer is unavailable or unable to preside at any given election, then the board of civil authority shall promptly appoint a voter of the town to serve as the presiding officer at that election.
(b) If more than one polling place is used, the board shall appoint a presiding officer for each additional polling place. These presiding officers for additional polling places shall be appointed for no more than two year terms, but may be reappointed and may have their appointments revoked. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 39.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 51 - Conduct of Elections › § 2453. Duties of presiding officer

§ 2453. Duties of presiding officer
The presiding officer shall be responsible for preparation of polling places and voting equipment, opening and closing the polls, scheduling the working hours of all election officials, counting votes and certifying the results of the count, securing all ballots, maintaining order at the polls, and in all things assuring that the election is conducted according to law. If it is necessary for the presiding officer to be absent from the polling place during any part of the election, he or she shall designate another to act in his or her stead until he or she returns. The presiding officer shall make every reasonable effort to assure that at least one election official from each major party is present at the polling place at all times. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1979, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 40.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 17 - Elections › Chapter 51 - Conduct of Elections › § 2454. Assistant election officers

§ 2454. Assistant election officers
(a) Prior to the day of the election, the board of civil authority shall appoint a sufficient number of voters from each municipality to serve as assistant election officers. As far as possible, the board shall attempt to appoint an equal number of persons from each major political party. Each assistant election officer shall be sworn prior to entering on the performance of his or her duties. An assistant town clerk may serve as an assistant elections officer, regardless of his or her residence.
(b) The board of civil authority may appoint residents of a municipality who are 16 or 17 years old to serve as assistant elections officers in their respective polling places. Youth assistant elections officers shall have the same duties as adult assistant elections officers but shall work under the direct supervision of adult elections officials. (Added 1977, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2003, No. 4, § 1; 2003, No. 59, § 17; 2009, No. 40, § 1.)