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Vermont Secretary of State

@vtsecretaryofstate.bsky.social

Official Bluesky Social of the VT State Secretary of State's Office. Elections, Business Services, Professional Regulation, Vermont State Archives, Civic Engagement and more!

180 Followers  |  35 Following  |  48 Posts  |  Joined: 27.01.2025  |  1.8077

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Text of statement over American flag background reads: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Responds to President's Statement Attacking Mail-In Voting, "Voting Machines." “The President appears to be confused about several key facts when it comes to American elections. For one, he says in his post that when it comes to election administration, states must do what he tells us. As I detailed in a statement just last week, the U.S. Constitution gives the states control over elections and gives only Congress the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not empower the president or executive branch to do so (U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 4). This means that, in the absence of a law passed by Congress, state law dictates all matters around elections. Either way, our country is not set up to operate by executive fiat – our founding fathers were quite clear about that. Mail-in ballots are not only a secure method of voting, they also greatly increase voter turnout by allowing more voters to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, removing the constraints of work and caretaking schedules and transportation. While I, of course, love to get out and vote at the polls on Election Day, many Vermonters find it more convenient and accessible to vote by mail – and that shows in the numbers." Continued

Text of statement over American flag background reads: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Responds to President's Statement Attacking Mail-In Voting, "Voting Machines." “The President appears to be confused about several key facts when it comes to American elections. For one, he says in his post that when it comes to election administration, states must do what he tells us. As I detailed in a statement just last week, the U.S. Constitution gives the states control over elections and gives only Congress the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not empower the president or executive branch to do so (U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 4). This means that, in the absence of a law passed by Congress, state law dictates all matters around elections. Either way, our country is not set up to operate by executive fiat – our founding fathers were quite clear about that. Mail-in ballots are not only a secure method of voting, they also greatly increase voter turnout by allowing more voters to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, removing the constraints of work and caretaking schedules and transportation. While I, of course, love to get out and vote at the polls on Election Day, many Vermonters find it more convenient and accessible to vote by mail – and that shows in the numbers." Continued

Text over American flag background reads: ...continued: "Since Vermont’s first universal vote by mail general election in 2020, we’ve seen more than 70% of Vermonters vote in presidential election years – and the majority of those votes were mail-in ballots. I’ve heard personally from members of all three of Vermont’s political parties who’ve told me how important it is for them to be able to receive and cast their ballot from home. I want more voters casting their ballots in elections, not less. This strengthens our democracy. Now, as for the ‘voting machines’ that the president referenced, it’s unclear whether he’s referencing the vote counting machines, known as ‘tabulators,’ used in every Vermont district that has more than 1,000 voters. He did mention that he likes paper ballots – I do too. Per state law, we use paper ballots and those are kept for 22 months after a federal election. In truth, 98% of Americans cast paper ballots. Our secure, air-gapped tabulators are faster and more accurate than hand-counting. As Vermont’s Chief Elections Officer, I won’t tolerate any effort to undermine the integrity and accessibility of our democracy. To the extent that the President seeks to overstep his authority, I will continue to work with Attorney General Clark to protect Vermonters’ rights. The Attorney General and I will also continue to coordinate with other states that are committed to preserving the constitutional balance of power.”

Text over American flag background reads: ...continued: "Since Vermont’s first universal vote by mail general election in 2020, we’ve seen more than 70% of Vermonters vote in presidential election years – and the majority of those votes were mail-in ballots. I’ve heard personally from members of all three of Vermont’s political parties who’ve told me how important it is for them to be able to receive and cast their ballot from home. I want more voters casting their ballots in elections, not less. This strengthens our democracy. Now, as for the ‘voting machines’ that the president referenced, it’s unclear whether he’s referencing the vote counting machines, known as ‘tabulators,’ used in every Vermont district that has more than 1,000 voters. He did mention that he likes paper ballots – I do too. Per state law, we use paper ballots and those are kept for 22 months after a federal election. In truth, 98% of Americans cast paper ballots. Our secure, air-gapped tabulators are faster and more accurate than hand-counting. As Vermont’s Chief Elections Officer, I won’t tolerate any effort to undermine the integrity and accessibility of our democracy. To the extent that the President seeks to overstep his authority, I will continue to work with Attorney General Clark to protect Vermonters’ rights. The Attorney General and I will also continue to coordinate with other states that are committed to preserving the constitutional balance of power.”

Bar graph shows voter turnout levels in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 elections. Emphasizes the percentage of the overall turnout that was absentee or vote by mail. Through 2018, percentages were in the 25% range. Since 2020, they've risen to the 63% range.

Bar graph shows voter turnout levels in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 elections. Emphasizes the percentage of the overall turnout that was absentee or vote by mail. Through 2018, percentages were in the 25% range. Since 2020, they've risen to the 63% range.

The President stated that when it comes to election administration, the states must do what he tells us - the U.S. Constitution says otherwise. Nearly 2/3 of Vermonters voted by mail in 2024, and we have seen consistently higher voter turnout since 2020. Vote by mail is here to stay.

20.08.2025 14:28 — 👍 4    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

As Vermont's Chief Elections Officer, I appreciate this thread:

18.08.2025 19:57 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Text over backdrop of stars and stripes flag reads: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Vows to Protect Vermont Voter Data As the Chief Elections Officer of the State of Vermont, I am proud of the work my office does to keep Vermont elections free, fair, accessible, and accurate. Vermonters may have heard of recent outreach from the federal government to states asking for voter information, including state voter lists. The policy of my office is very clear: our office has no plans to share Vermont voter data with the federal government. The reasons for this are twofold. First, Vermont law specifically prohibits sharing of this data, and second, the U.S. Constitution gives states the authority to conduct elections, not federal agencies. Vermont State law explicitly protects voters’ private information from the federal government or any foreign entity. Our office is committed to upholding State law, protecting Vermonters’ private information, and supporting Vermont’s town and city clerks to do the same. Continued -

Text over backdrop of stars and stripes flag reads: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Vows to Protect Vermont Voter Data As the Chief Elections Officer of the State of Vermont, I am proud of the work my office does to keep Vermont elections free, fair, accessible, and accurate. Vermonters may have heard of recent outreach from the federal government to states asking for voter information, including state voter lists. The policy of my office is very clear: our office has no plans to share Vermont voter data with the federal government. The reasons for this are twofold. First, Vermont law specifically prohibits sharing of this data, and second, the U.S. Constitution gives states the authority to conduct elections, not federal agencies. Vermont State law explicitly protects voters’ private information from the federal government or any foreign entity. Our office is committed to upholding State law, protecting Vermonters’ private information, and supporting Vermont’s town and city clerks to do the same. Continued -

Text over background of stars and stripes flag reads: ...continued Vermont State statutes clearly state, in 17 V.S.A. § 2154(b)(2), that Vermont city, town, and state governments are prohibited from sharing the statewide voter checklist or any municipal voter checklist with any federal agency or commission. Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution gives the states control over elections and gives only Congress the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not empower the president or executive branch to do so (U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 4). This means that, in the absence of a law passed by Congress, state law dictates all matters around elections, including the release of any voter data. To the extent that the federal government seeks to overstep its authority, I will continue to work with Attorney General Clark to protect Vermonters’ data in court. The Attorney General and I will also continue to coordinate with other states that are committed to protecting citizens’ private data and preserving the constitutional balance of power.

Text over background of stars and stripes flag reads: ...continued Vermont State statutes clearly state, in 17 V.S.A. § 2154(b)(2), that Vermont city, town, and state governments are prohibited from sharing the statewide voter checklist or any municipal voter checklist with any federal agency or commission. Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution gives the states control over elections and gives only Congress the power to pass laws regulating elections; it does not empower the president or executive branch to do so (U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 4). This means that, in the absence of a law passed by Congress, state law dictates all matters around elections, including the release of any voter data. To the extent that the federal government seeks to overstep its authority, I will continue to work with Attorney General Clark to protect Vermonters’ data in court. The Attorney General and I will also continue to coordinate with other states that are committed to protecting citizens’ private data and preserving the constitutional balance of power.

Our office affirms we will protect Vermont’s voter data. We will follow Vermont State Law and the U.S. Constitution and will not share this personal data with the Federal Government.

13.08.2025 16:20 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Our Assistant Director of Elections and Campaign Finance Tammy Sink was honored with the 2025 Public Service Recognition Award this week for her incredible work during the '24 election season and beyond! Tammy is a big part of why Vermont's election system is seen as a model nationwide.

25.06.2025 13:04 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas & Legislative Recap Podcast Episode · There's No

Episode 7 is here! Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins the podcast to discuss the elections bill, The Kid Governor Program, office initiatives, and voter security. @vtsecretaryofstate.bsky.social

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

24.06.2025 10:29 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
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We're seeking members of the public to serve on professional boards! Learn more and apply here: sos.vermont.gov/opr/about-op...

20.06.2025 18:16 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Image of the Emancipation Proclamation. Text reads "This year marks the fourth anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021! Juneteenth has always been more than a holiday. The day stands as a testament to and celebration of the unyielding spirit of a people."

Image of the Emancipation Proclamation. Text reads "This year marks the fourth anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021! Juneteenth has always been more than a holiday. The day stands as a testament to and celebration of the unyielding spirit of a people."

Happy Juneteenth!
Today we celebrate the anniversary of Union troops' arrival in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, with the news of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Today we must continue the work of breaking down inequality and injustice in all of our systems.

19.06.2025 19:08 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Background image of American flag. Statement reads: “I am appalled and sickened by the political violence in Minnesota and grieve for the victims and their families. I am thankful that law enforcement has apprehended the perpetrator, and we can avoid additional bloodshed. This tragedy highlights the unfortunate truth that we must continue to be vigilant and work hard to keep everyone who participates in our democracy – voters, clerks, election volunteers, and those that serve – safe. My office will continue this work, but we need everyone’s help; we are stronger together. Our democracy is designed so that we can address differences through dialogue and at the ballot box. There is no excuse for violence in our country.“

Background image of American flag. Statement reads: “I am appalled and sickened by the political violence in Minnesota and grieve for the victims and their families. I am thankful that law enforcement has apprehended the perpetrator, and we can avoid additional bloodshed. This tragedy highlights the unfortunate truth that we must continue to be vigilant and work hard to keep everyone who participates in our democracy – voters, clerks, election volunteers, and those that serve – safe. My office will continue this work, but we need everyone’s help; we are stronger together. Our democracy is designed so that we can address differences through dialogue and at the ballot box. There is no excuse for violence in our country.“

Over the weekend, a Minnesota state representative and her husband were assassinated and a state senator and his wife were shot.
Our democracy is designed so that we can address differences through dialogue and at the ballot box. There is no excuse for violence in our country.

16.06.2025 15:04 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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We hopped over to New Hampshire this week for the annual www.iaca.org/conference-2025/conference! It was a great chance to connect with some of our fellow Secretaries. The NH State Archives holds an original copy of the Declaration of Independence - obviously we had to check that out!

23.05.2025 13:39 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Thanks to author Alexandre Caillot, Ph.D. for a copy of his recent book "Late to the Fight: Union Soldier Combat Performance from the Wilderness to the Fall of Petersburg."
Visit our reference room to view the book or for your own research needs!

@vermonthistory.org
@lsupress.bsky.social

19.05.2025 20:08 — 👍 5    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Calling all attorneys! Looking to fill out your schedule with some contractual-basis, engaging public service work? We're seeking Administrative Law Officers!
linktr.ee/vtsos

16.05.2025 15:16 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Deputy Secretary Hibbert was thrilled to help welcome 20 new US Citizens this week, and make sure they have the resources they need to participate in our democracy!

Rutland Herald: www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/b...

VTDigger: vtdigger.org/2025/05/13/v...

15.05.2025 13:25 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Visiting classrooms to talk with students about civics is one of my favorite parts of this job. This #TeacherAppreciationWeek (and always), I'm grateful for all of the educators who make civics come alive in the classroom!

06.05.2025 18:48 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Green Up Day was first established by a proclamation from Governor Deane Davis in 1970 - today, it's an annual legal holiday!
Have fun out there tomorrow, keeping Vermont beautiful and continuing to make history!

02.05.2025 15:45 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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A government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" means we must have access to authentic and reliable records and information about our government. For 50 years, we've been working across Vermont's state agencies to ensure this. Here's to another 50 years!

30.04.2025 19:12 — 👍 4    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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We're hiring to fill the role of General Counsel at our Office of Professional Regulation! Learn more and apply at: careers.vermont.gov/job/Montpeli...

28.04.2025 15:58 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Happy Earth Day! Staff at our State Archives found this photo of a roadside clean up from long ago. Does anyone recognize these young Scouts from Rutland or the year the photo was taken? Let us know!

@vermonthistory.org

22.04.2025 14:07 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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105 years later, millions of American women are facing a threat to their right to vote. When historical records look back on 2025, they'll show that women stood up again to protect our democracy.

@vermonthistory.org
vermonthistoryexplorer.org/april

21.04.2025 14:42 — 👍 6    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Statement about Detention of Mohsen Mahdawi
YouTube video by Vermont Secretary of State Statement about Detention of Mohsen Mahdawi

Mohsen Mahdawi must be afforded due process and immediately released from detention.
Read my full statement: sos.vermont.gov/secretary-s-...

18.04.2025 19:40 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
A blue gradient background fills the frame. At the top center is a slim white bar with a Clearinghouse Awards logo in blue text and a red and blue illustration of a hand placing a ballot in a box. To the far right is a circular EAC logo. Below, centered in bold white text, reads "Communications: Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives." Below, a thumbnail image from the YouTube video reads "Election Security in Vermont - featuring City/Town Clerks." At the bottom footer, a dark blue line in bold white text reads "2024 CLEARIE WINNER."

A blue gradient background fills the frame. At the top center is a slim white bar with a Clearinghouse Awards logo in blue text and a red and blue illustration of a hand placing a ballot in a box. To the far right is a circular EAC logo. Below, centered in bold white text, reads "Communications: Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives." Below, a thumbnail image from the YouTube video reads "Election Security in Vermont - featuring City/Town Clerks." At the bottom footer, a dark blue line in bold white text reads "2024 CLEARIE WINNER."

Exciting news! We've been honored with a 2024 Clearinghouse Award for our "Election Security in Vermont" video! www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TK...
Learn more about our win and other amazing elections programs from across the country - www.eac.gov/election-off...

#2024Clearies

16.04.2025 17:29 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Transparency is key to a strong democracy, and you have the right to know what your government is doing on your behalf. Our Records and Information Management experts work every day ensure this!

#RIMMonth2025
#archives
#recordsmanagement

15.04.2025 13:03 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Senator Welch and Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Civil Health Conversation: Part 3
YouTube video by Senator Peter Welch Senator Welch and Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Civil Health Conversation: Part 3

3rd and final part of my conversation with Senator Peter Welch about Vermont's Civic Health!
youtube.com/shorts/5S2Zo...

11.04.2025 13:30 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Senator Welch and Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Civil Health Conversation: Part 2
YouTube video by Senator Peter Welch Senator Welch and Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas Civil Health Conversation: Part 2

Part 2 of my conversation with Senator Peter Welch about the state of Civic Health in Vermont:
youtu.be/Ite4qJz-pRY?...

10.04.2025 13:03 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Sen. Welch joins Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas to discuss Vermont's Civic Health Index
YouTube video by Senator Peter Welch Sen. Welch joins Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas to discuss Vermont's Civic Health Index

I sat down with Senator Peter Welch recently to discuss Vermont's first-ever Civic Health Index. Check out Part 1 of our conversation!
youtube.com/shorts/6wFnO...

08.04.2025 18:38 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Staff from our office, including the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA), tabled and judged projects at Vermont History Day this weekend. It was an incredible experience interacting with so many young researchers and budding historians from across Vermont!
@vermonthistory.org

07.04.2025 16:39 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
'Safe at Home' offers layer of safety to survivors of crime "I felt more empowered and safer once I had signed up for it," a survivor of stalking said of Vermont's Safe at Home program.

April is #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth. We're proud to offer a resource for survivors that can help protect address confidentiality - the Safe at Home program.

Check out a recent feature from @mynbc5.bsky.social: www.mynbc5.com/article/safe...

sos.vermont.gov/secretary-of...

01.04.2025 14:24 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

The SAVE Act is a brazen attempt to strip citizens, particularly married women, low-income and minority voters, and active-duty military members, of their ability to vote. It would be the largest attack on voter eligibility since the Jim Crow laws. I’m calling on the Senate to vote no this week.

31.03.2025 18:04 — 👍 14    🔁 3    💬 2    📌 1
Text over pink and blue trans rights flag colors reads: International Transgender Day of Visibility / Trans and non-binary people deserve to thrive, not just survive. / Today and everyday, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans. / Our trans and non-binary friends and neighbors deserve love, security and support. You belong.

Text over pink and blue trans rights flag colors reads: International Transgender Day of Visibility / Trans and non-binary people deserve to thrive, not just survive. / Today and everyday, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans. / Our trans and non-binary friends and neighbors deserve love, security and support. You belong.

Today, we honor #transgenderdayofvisibility, uplifting and supporting our trans and non-binary friends and neighbors. ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

31.03.2025 18:33 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Read Secretary Copeland Hanzas’ full statement on the recent Executive Order on elections: sos.vermont.gov/secretary-s-...

27.03.2025 18:59 — 👍 6    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 1
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Local, independent journalism is foundational to a thriving democracy. I strongly support H.244, a bill that would keep state advertising dollars here in Vermont.

25.03.2025 17:36 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

@vtsecretaryofstate is following 20 prominent accounts