Vermont has such a rich heritage of open, accessible government exemplified by our Town Meeting Day tradition. So, it really is unacceptable that Vermont gets an “F” in campaign disclosure.

Every citizen in Vermont deserves easy, open access to our government. We don’t have that now, and we are falling further behind. Vermont is now one of only ten states that does not offer candidates the ability to file disclosure reports electronically. As Secretary of State, I look forward to putting my expertise across party lines with the governor and the legislature to find creative, cost effective solutions to this and other problems.

One of my guiding principles is that government, any governmental organization, works for the people and its services should reflect that view.

Issues

• “F” in the 2007 Campaign Disclosure by UCLA’s – Campaign Disclosure Project evaluates four specific areas of campaign finance disclosure: state campaign disclosure laws; electronic filing programs; accessibility of campaign finance information; and the usability of state disclosure web sites. Vermont received a failing grade, which it has every year since 2003 when the reports began, and ranked 40th nationwide.
• “F” in the State Auditors 2005 audit of the Voters Check List
• Did not comply with State rules requiring Dept. of Information and Technology oversight
• 4,000 duplicate names – Elections can be easily swayed in Vermont with this number
• Manual and wasteful campaign financing reporting – Reports have to be taken to Montpelier monthly wasting fuel and add excess carbon into our air
• Weak to non-existent fraud detection system
• Same Day Registration
• Instant ballot run-off
• The Secretary of State's Office is currently being sued by the Deptartment of Justice for mishandling the 2006 GI absentee ballots
• The office misprinted 120,000 Chittenden County ballots, which cost money to reprint , and, without outside intervention, these ballots would have been used and invalidated.

What I will do!

• Bring the Secretary of State’s office up to 21st Century standards
• Fix the Checklist system, process and procedures
• Initiate the creation of a voter fraud detection system
• Automate campaign finance filings and processes
• Build a Campaign website for candidates with automated step by step procedures
• Team up with the Town Clerks of Vermont to enhance services for the citizens of Vermont