In Vermont, new political parties are started in odd numbered years.
In 2006, on the statewide election ballot, there were candidates from Liberty Union, Vermont Green, and Progressive parties for statewide offices,
as well as the Republicans and Democrats.
All other candidates on the statewide ballot in 2006 were Independents, or Independents going under other designations as allowed under Vermont laws. The VT election laws allow an independent candidate to chose up to three descriptive words after their name on the ballot rather than "independent" if they want. In 2006 we saw "Anti-Bushist" and "We the People" and "Impeach Bush Now" appearing as independent candidates who preferred those descriptive words rather than "Independent".
One group hopeful of actually attaining new minor party status is the Marijuana Party of Vermont. In order to actually gain legal status in VT, they must find 5 people in each of 15 towns in VT to form committees and nominate candidates and file forms with the Secretary of State.
You can read VT election laws online, just go to http://www.leg.state.vt.us and on the left click on Vermont Statutes Online and find Title 17 Election laws.
If you are interested in the Marijuana Party of Vermont, you can make friends with them online at http://myspace.com/vtmjp
http://www.iburlington.com/article.php?story=20070207195535568