Vermont Voting Age Amendment, Proposal 5 (2010)
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Vermont Voting Age Amendment, Proposal 5 was on the November 2, 2010 statewide ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment where it was approved.
The measure allowed for 17-year-olds to vote in the primary election provided they turn 18 before the general election.[1][2]
The measure was sponsored by Senator Jeannette White.
Election results
- See also: 2010 ballot measure election results
| Vermont Proposal 5 (2010) (Voting Age) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Yes | 134,803 | 80.81% | ||
| No | 32,018 | 19.19% | ||
Election results via: The Vermont Board of Elections
Text of measure
Constitutional changes
The measure amended Section 42 of Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution.
Note: Hover over the text and scroll to see the full text.
Voter's Qualifications and Oaths
Every person of the full age of eighteen years who is a citizen of the United States, having resided in this State for the period established by the General Assembly and who is of a quiet and peaceable behavior, and will take the following oath or affirmation, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a voter of this state:
- You solemnly swear (or affirm) that whenever you give your vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any person.
Every person who will attain the full age of eighteen years by the date of the general election who is a citizen of the United States, having resided in this State for the period established by the General Assembly and who is of a quiet and peaceable behavior, and will take the oath or affirmation set forth in this section, shall be entitled to vote in the primary election.[3]
Support
Jim Condos, Secretary of State 2010 candidate said he supported the proposed measure. In response to concerns that the proposed measure may require some revision, Condos said the legislature could make the procedural changes. The proposal, said Condos, would help encourage youth to participate in the voting process. "The foundation of our democracy begins with our voting. This is about helping to educate our youth, and getting them involved at an early age," he said.[4]
Opposition
Secretary of State 2010 candidate Jason Gibbs was opposed to the proposed measure and said the measure should return to the legislature for further revision. "I frankly don't think it's significant enough to justify amending our state's most important governing document," said Gibbs. Additionally, Gibbs argued that the legislature had not effectively explained or educated voters about the proposed measure.[4] "Voters have a right to know what will be presented to them on the General Election ballot, and to have time to consider and discuss the ramifications of amending our state’s most influential guiding document," he said.[5]
Path to the ballot
The amendment required approval in two successive sessions of the Vermont General Assembly. In the first legislative session the amendment required a majority vote in the Vermont State House but a 2/3rds vote in the Senate. The second time the amendment was considered, it required only a majority vote.
The proposed amendment was referred to the statewide ballot on January 26, 2010 following approval by both houses.[6]
See also
Articles
- Vermont 17 year olds given the green light to vote in primaries
- Vermont voting age requirements are up for a vote this November
External links
Additional reading
- WCAX.com, "Should 17-year-olds vote in Vt. primaries?" September 30, 2010
- Rutland Herald, "Vt. mulls 17-year-olds voting in primary elections," September 23, 2010
Footnotes
- ↑ Vermont Weekly Legislative Report, "Proposal 5 (page 3 of 9)," January 29, 2010 (dead link)
- ↑ Addison County Independent, "Amendment would allow some 17-year-olds to vote," October 28, 2010
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Vermont Public Radio, "Constitutional Amendment To Be Voted On In November," September 15, 2010
- ↑ VTDigger.org, "Gibbs: Amending the Constitution to allow 17-year-olds to vote is a grave matter," September 15, 2010
- ↑ Vermont State Legislature, "Detailed Status of Proposal 5," accessed September 17, 2010
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