Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Vermont)

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

• Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
• Initial stay-at-home orders
• Executive orders
• Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
• Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
• Court closures
• The release of inmates
• Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies

Additionally, the article includes:

• Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
• Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
• The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
• Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

General election changes

Vermont modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

• Absentee/mail-in voting: Mail-in ballots were sent to all registered voters in the general election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Primary election changes

Vermont modified its primary election process as follows:

• Candidate filing procedures: The candidate petition signature gathering requirements were suspended for the primary election.
• Voting procedures: Mail-in ballots request forms sent to all registered voters in the primary election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.

• Vermont election changes (click to expand)

  July 20, 2020: Vermont to send mail-in ballots to all eligible voters in the November 3, 2020, general election

  On July 20, 2020, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos (D) issued a directive that a mail-in ballot be sent automatically to every active registered voter in the November 3, 2020, general election. The directive made a number of other procedural modifications to both the August 11, 2020, primary election and the November 3, 2020, general election. The full directive can be accessed here.

  July 14, 2020: Vermont to send mail-in ballot request forms to all eligible voters in the August 11, 2020, primary election

  On July 14, 2020, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos (D) announced that the state would send mail-in ballot request forms to all eligible voters in the August 11, 2020, primary election. Condos said the state would send postcards with tear-off, postage prepaid request forms to all active registered voters.

  July 2, 2020: Legislation enacted authorizing secretary of state to implement election changes without governor's approval

  On July 2, 2020, S348 became law without the signature of Gov. Phil Scott (R). The legislation authorized the secretary of state to implement modifications to election procedures without the approval of the governor. The legislation was set to apply only to 2020 elections.

  March 30, 2020: Vermont enacts multiple temporary changes to election administration procedures

  On March 30, 2020, Governor Phil Scott (R) signed H0681 into law, making a series of temporary changes to the state's election laws in response to the coronavirus outbreak:

  • Suspending candidate petition signature gathering requirements for both the August primary and the November general elections
  • Authorizing local legislative bodies to transition upcoming local elections from floor meetings to Australian ballot (i.e., secret ballot) elections
  • Authorizing the secretary of state, with the consent of the governor, to enact temporary changes to election procedures (e.g., expanding voting by mail)

  The full press release announcing these changes is presented below.

  “

  Montpelier, VT – Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced a series of temporary changes to Vermont’s election laws passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Vermont is prepared to safeguard the integrity of elections and the public’s health in the face of this global pandemic. “Fair and free elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said Secretary Condos. “These temporary changes to Vermont’s election laws will allow us to be nimble, and adapt our elections process to ensure every eligible voter who wishes to vote can cast their ballot safely, without increasing exposure or putting their health and the health of other voters, election workers, and candidates at further risk.” The Vermont Secretary of State’s office had previously issued recommendations to the Legislature on temporary changes to Vermont’s election laws during the 2020 COVID-19 health crisis and response. Secretary Condos, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters, and Elections Director Will Senning worked with legislators, legislative committees of jurisdiction, and the Governor’s office on an elections bill, H.681, which was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor on March 30th. Changes include the waiving of candidate petition signature gathering requirements for the August statewide primary elections and November General elections. All candidates wishing to appear on the ballot will still be required to file financial disclosure statements and consent of candidate forms. “Eliminating the requirement for candidates to collect signatures for petitions is necessary in this time when we are sheltering at home, avoiding gatherings, and avoiding unnecessary contact with other people,” said Elections Director Will Senning. “We all have a responsibility to limit our exposure and contact based on recommendations by the Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This common-sense measure will help keep candidates and voters safe.” The new law empowers municipal legislative bodies to change upcoming local elections during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis from floor meetings to Australian ballot, without requiring a full vote of the town. “As we plan for all outcomes with our local, state, and federal partners, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Vermont’s Town and City Clerks, who keep the front doors to our democracy open for Vermont voters,” said Secretary Condos. “Their jobs, like many of us, have taken on an increasing difficulty in these trying times, and I look forward to working with them, and supporting their offices, planning for our 2020 elections.” Lastly, this new temporary law also creates emergency powers to allow the Secretary of State’s office, with the agreement of the Governor, to enact the necessary measures to enable Vermonters to vote safely during the 2020 COVID-19 health crisis. Such measures could include the mailing of ballots to every registered voter, an extended cutoff for Clerks to receive voted ballots, an expanded window for Clerks to process voted ballots, the creation of secure ballot return stations, or the moving of polling locations, as examples. “We hope to not have to make any changes to Vermont’s election procedures, but that would be a very optimistic outlook,” said Secretary Condos. “We have no idea what this health emergency will look like in one month, 5 months, or 8, and so we need to be planning now to make sure that voters can still vote, and that our democracy can still thrive during crisis.” Secretary Condos continued, “whatever options we decide to use will only be enacted after carefully consultation with our federal, state and local partners. Planning at all levels, starting now, will be crucial to our success. No one should have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote. This virus has disrupted our lives in so many ways, but it does not have to disrupt our democratic process.” For more information and guidance on elections during the COVID-19 state of emergency, visit the Elections Division COVID-19 Response page on the Vermont Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/about/covid-19-response/.

  ”

Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4

See also: States with shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Gov. Phil Scott (R) declared a state of emergency on March 13, 2020. At the time of the order, the Vermont Department of Health confirmed two residents tested positive for coronavirus. On March 24, 2020, Scott issued Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 directing residents to limit normal everyday activities outside of the home and to practice social distancing at all times. The order remained in effect until April 15, 2020. On April 10, Scott announced he would be extending the stay-at-home order through May 15.

On May 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced he was amending parts of Vermont's stay-at-home order and releasing a new initiative called "Be Smart, Stay Safe." Limits on gatherings were increased to 25.

Below is a list of essential businesses per Gov. Scott's office (sections 3-8).

Executive orders, March 30 through June 29

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• State of Emergency declared
• Executive Order 01-20 Declaration of State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19 and National Guard Call-Out
• Addendum to Executive Order 01-20
• Addendum to Executive Order 01-20 – Restricts gatherings to less than 50 people; Closure of Dine-In for Restaurants and Bars
• Gubernatorial Directive on Provision of Services to Children of Essential Persons During Closure Period in Response to COVID-19
• Gubernatorial Directive 3 – Department of Motor Vehicles Suspension of In-Person Transactions
• Gubernatorial Directive 4 – Department of Liquor and Lottery – Malt and Vinous Product Delivery and Take Out
• Addendum 3 to Executive Order 01-20 Suspension of all Non-Essential Adult Elective Surgery and Medical and Surgical Procedures
• Addendum 5 to Executive Order 01-20 Order to Work From Home for all Businesses and Non-Profits
• Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 Stay Home/Stay Safe
• Gubernatorial Directive 5 – Continuity of Learning Plan
• Addendum 7 to Executive Order 01-20 Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in Vermont
• Addendum 8 to Executive Order 01-20 Non-Congregate Sheltering in Vermont; Extension of Certain Deadlines Relating to Closures of DMV and Bars and Restaurants
• Addendum 9 to Executive Order 01-20 Extension of State of Emergency Declared March 13, 2020; Other COVID-19 Related Directives and Clarifications
• Addendum 9 to Executive Order 01-20 Extension of State of Emergency Declared March 13, 2020; Other COVID-19 Related Directives and Clarifications
• Addendum 10 to Executive Order 01-20 Work Smart & Stay Safe – Restart VT: Phase I

Court closures, March 17 through November 4

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• August 20, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended the judicial emergency through January 1. The Court first instituted the judicial emergency in March. The emergency prohibits jury trials and requires most proceedings to happen remotely.
• June 1, 2020: Beginning June 1, courts in Vermont expanded operations to allow for more remote hearings and some in-person hearings. Visitors to courthouses will need to wear masks and answer health-related screening questions before coming inside. Jury trials remain on hold until September.
• May 13, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. Criminal jury trials were suspended through September 1, and civil jury trials were suspended through January 1, 2020.
• April 23, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court ordered that anyone entering Judiciary buildings had to wear cloth face masks that cover the nose and mouth. The order applied to staff, participants, lawyers, members of the media and members of the public.
• April 9, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 31.
• April 7, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended their suspension of jury trials through May 15.
• March 25, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions for public access to court proceedings through April 15.
• March 17, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and suspended all nonessential court hearings until at least April 5.

Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The Vermont State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 13, 2020, through March 24, 2020. On April 8, 2020, the Vermont State Senate approved a measure to allow remote voting in the chamber. Prior to this, a quorum of senators physically present in the chamber had been required in order to pass legislation. The Vermont House of Representatives was expected to consider a similar measure.

Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Vermont. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• May 15, 2020: Gov. Phil Scott (R) signed a bill that placed a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in the state for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
• April 10, 2020: In a remote vote, the Vermont State Senate passed a bill, S.333, which approved a measure to pause evictions and foreclosures due to the coronavirus pandemic, with exceptions for tenants that posed a risk to the health and safety of other residents. The moratorium would end 30 days after the governor terminated the state of emergency. The bill was sent to the Vermont House of Representatives.
• March 17, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and suspended all nonessential court hearings until at least April 5.

Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

• March 26, 2020: The Vermont Department of Corrections announced that they released almost 200 inmates since late February to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Debate in Vermont over responses to the coronavirus

See also: Debate in Vermont over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Vermont in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

• Debate over the stay-at-home order
• Debate over school closures
• Debate over religious service restrictions
• Debate over election policy
• Debate over prisons and inmates
• Debate over the economic impact of coronavirus policy

Status of industries, May 15 through July 31

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

• "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
• Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
• A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.

Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures

Vermont released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on May 15, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on June 9. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: June 9, 2020

On May 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that he was changing the statewide “Stay Home/Stay Safe” order and replacing it with a reopening initiative called “Be Smart, Stay Safe.” The initiative encouraged, but did not require, residents to stay at home.

Vermont’s stay-at-home order first went into effect March 24 and was originally scheduled to expire on April 15. On April 10, Scott extended the order through May 15. Vermont was the 19th state to end its stay-at-home order.

Scott said, “Vermonters have stepped up in a time of crisis, following guidance from the beginning to quickly slow the spread and keep our health care system from being overwhelmed. These efforts have saved hundreds and hundreds of lives and given us time to build the testing and tracing capacity we need to contain future outbreaks. The important thing to remember is that the smarter we are about our individual actions, and the more disciplined everyone can be during each step forward, the more steps we’ll be able to take to safely restart Vermont.”

Scott presented four metrics his administration was watching as the state reopened:

• Syndromic surveillance: The percentage of visits to emergency care with either COVID-19-like illness or flu diagnosis.
• Viral growth and reproductive rates: Case growth measured by daily, 3-day, 7-day, and effective reproductive rate.
• Percentage of new positive tests: Percent of tests resulting in a new positive case.
• ICU and critical care beds: Number of occupied and unoccupied medical-surgical and ICU beds.

Before May 15, Scott had signed several addendums to the stay-at-home order that authorized the authorizing limited resumption of some industries, primarily construction and manufacturing, while the stay-at-home order remained in effect.

Context

• Between March 13 and March 24, Scott took incremental steps to close or restrict businesses and place limits on gatherings.
• On March 24, Scott issued a stay-at-home order directing individuals to stay home unless performing critical services. The order was originally scheduled to expire on April 15. On April 10, Scott extended the order through May 15.
• As of June 8, Vermont had reported 1,075 cases of COVID-19 and 55 deaths. Vermont’s estimated population as of July 2019 was 623,989. For every 100,000 residents, the state had 172.2 cases and 8.8 deaths.
• Vermont has a divided government. The governor is a Republican, and Democrats have a majority of seats in the House and Senate.

Plan details

April 24

• Scott issued Addendum 11 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing up to five workers to perform outdoor and construction work in unoccupied structures. The order also allowed manufacturing to resume with up to five employees and in-person shopping at garden centers and greenhouses to resume with no more than 10 people including customers and staff.

May 1

• Scott issued Addendum 12 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing up to 10 workers to perform outdoor and construction work in unoccupied structures. Manufacturing businesses were permitted to operate with up to 10 employees.

May 4

• Elective medical procedures were permitted to resume.

May 6

• Scott issued Addendum 13 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing residents to leave home to participate in outdoor recreation or fitness. Social interaction was limited to 10 people or fewer. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities that supported or offered outdoor recreation, including parks, trail networks, and golf courses, were permitted to reopen subject to restrictions.

May 15

• Scott issued Addendum 14 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing “Be Smart, Stay Safe” to replace the statewide stay-at-home order. The order encouraged, but did not require, public mask use, and permitted lodging operations to reopen with restrictions.

May 22

• Scott issued Addendum 15 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing restaurants and bars to offer outdoor seating. The addendum also permitted hair salons and barbershops to reopen by appointment with limits on occupancy effective May 29.

May 29

• Scott issued Addendum 16 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing social gatherings of 25 or fewer people effective June 1. Also on that day, close contact businesses like gyms, spas, and tattoo parlors were permitted to reopen with restrictions.

June 5

• Scott issued Addendum 17 to Executive Order 01-20, authorizing restaurants and bars to offer limited indoor dining beginning June 8, so long as occupancy is limited to 25% of the legal capacity. Addendum 17 also removed the quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers from counties in New York and New England with 400 or fewer COVID-19 cases per million. Lodging occupancy limits were increased to 50% or 25 total guests, whichever is greater.

Coronavirus resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

State resources

• Office of the Governor of Vermont
• Vermont Department of Health
• Vermont Department of Education

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

Federal resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization

See also

• Documenting America's Path to Recovery
• Vermont’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses in Vermont to the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
• Travel restrictions by state
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic

Footnotes