Open Government

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Vermonters are rightly proud of their state’s tradition of local, direct democracy and respect for constitutional principles. But when it comes to government accountability, Vermont still has a long, long way to go on a number of key indicators: improved open meetings laws, expanded access to public records, meaningful conflict of interest rules, candidate financial disclosures, and a state ethics commission, among others.

Because the ACLU recognizes that a truly participatory democracy requires real transparency, we are fighting to ensure that state and local officials who represent the people of Vermont are held to the highest standards.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU Sues Essex County Sheriff for Records on Immigration Involvement

Violation of state public records law another example of county sheriffs evading accountability.
Press Release
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ACLU Vermont Report Card Gives Governor Scott a Failing Grade

New ad campaign will raise public awareness about the governor’s record on civil liberties from 2023-2024.
News & Commentary
civil liberties report card

Civil Liberties Report Card

Governor Scott’s policies and positions over the past two years have proven increasingly hostile to Vermonters’ civil liberties.
Press Release
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ACLU Asks Vermont Supreme Court to Grant Public Access to Burlington Bodycam Footage

Issue Areas: Open Government
Court Case
Jan 10, 2023

Cappello v. City of Newport

City of Newport officials served Mr. Cappello a “notice against trespass” barring him from city property without due process.
Court Case
Mar 24, 2021

HRDC v. CCS (amicus brief)

A case concerning the availability of records relating to health care for people incarcerated in Vermont's prisons
Court Case
Mar 05, 2021

Vermont Journalism Trust v. Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development

Court Case
May 08, 2018

ACLU-ME, ACLU-NH, & ACLU-VT v. DHS