Candidates for Vermont's local and statewide office might not have to gather petition signatures to be on the ballot this year, according to Sec. of State Jim Condos. And the state may issue temporary licenses for health professionals, both changes in response to Vermont's state of emergency due to the coronavirus.
Condos says the state is looking at a variety of changes to its licensing requirements to bring in qualified health personnel, to provide what he calls the "ramp up" needed for a potential healthcare workforce shortage.
"It's people who have done this work, who are perhaps licensed or certified in another state, or is a retiree. Those are the people we're focusing on right now," Condos says.
Condos says the virus could also bring changes to what the state requires of prospective candidates for office.
Statewide candidates need to file 500 signatures with the Office of the Secretary of State, while candidates for the Vermont Senate need to have 100, and candidates for the Vermont House are required by law to have at least 50 signatures.
Condos tells Vermont Edition he wants legislators to waive those requirements for the 2020 election because of concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.
Listen to the full conversation above to hear more about how the coronavirus could affect candidates, voting and licensing of certain Vermont workers.
Broadcast live on Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020 at noon.