Vermont Business Magazine Democrat Sarah Copeland Hanzas of Bradford announced the launch of her campaign for Vermont Secretary of State today on the front steps of the Vermont State House. Copeland Hanzas was joined by over 20 state representatives who showed their support for her campaign.
Secretary of State Jim Condos previously announced that he would not seek reelection in November.
“I’m excited to announce my campaign for Vermont Secretary of State,” said Copeland Hanzas. “In my 18 years of public service in Vermont, I’ve been a champion of policies that put the health, dignity, economic security, and civil liberties of all Vermonters at the forefront. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and steadfast commitment to Vermonters and Vermont’s democracy to this office.”
Colleagues of Copeland Hanzas spoke about her lifelong experience and commitment to strengthening and protecting Vermont's democracy.
"Now, more than ever, electing champions of democracy is crucial. Sarah is running for Vermont Secretary of State to strengthen Vermont's democracy and ensure that all Vermonters have their voices heard in Vermont’s elections," said Representative Kate Webb of Shelburne. "Sarah has proven herself a thoughtful and dynamic leader who has never shied away from hard work and complex issues. Sarah is the champion that Vermonters need, and deserve, and she is ready to continue to serve Vermonters as secretary of state."
During her tenure in the House, Copeland Hanzas has served as House majority leader, a Vice Chair of the House Health Care Committee, and as Chair of the Government Operations Committee, which oversees all matters related to Vermont’s elections.
In this role, Copeland Hanzas has prioritized election reforms that put voter accessibility at the forefront. She spearheaded initiatives that broke down barriers for Vermonters to register and vote.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Copeland Hanzas led efforts to enact universal vote-by-mail for the general election to ensure ease of access to voting for all while protecting the health and safety of Vermonters. In 2021, Copeland Hanzas led the charge to make vote-by-mail permanent.
"Never before has our democracy in this country been under such threat. From intentional disinformation to active voter suppression, the danger to the fundamental tenets of our democracy is real," said Copeland Hanzas. "Now more than ever, it’s crucial to elect a secretary of state who will lead the way and fight for a strong, transparent and accessible democracy. I’m proud to be that candidate."
Sarah Copeland Hanzas lives in Bradford, Vermont and has represented the district of Bradford, Fairlee and West Fairlee for the past 18 years. Copeland Hanzas is an elected leader, public servant, mother, former small business owner, and champion of Vermonters. During her tenure as an elected leader, she has led the charge on democracy and voting rights, climate action, reproductive liberty, paid sick days and paid family leave, racial justice and equity, sensible cannabis reform, saving public employee pensions, and protecting the health of Vermont’s first responders. Copeland Hanzas is running for secretary of state to continue to serve Vermonters as a steadfast champion of democracy. You can learn more about Sarah’s campaign here.