An act relating to write-in candidate consent of candidate filings in State elections

This bill requires write-in candidates in Vermont state elections to file a consent form with the Secretary of State or municipal clerk before their votes can be counted. The form must include the candidate's name, the office they seek, their town of residence, and mailing address, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday before primary and general elections. If a write-in candidate does not file this consent form, their votes will be treated as blank and not counted toward their candidacy. The bill also establishes that write-in candidates must receive at least half the number of petition signatures required for their office to qualify as a primary winner, unless they receive more votes than a printed ballot candidate. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023.