Jason Gibbs on Proposal 5

Gibbs Puts Civic Engagement 'Front and Center'
Encourages Discussion of Little-Known Constitutional Amendment

Montpelier, Vt. - Secretary of State candidate Jason Gibbs is encouraging Vermonters to learn more about the constitutional amendment they will be asked to ratify on Election Day.

Dubbed Proposal 5, the little-known amendment would change the Vermont Constitution to allow 17-year-olds to vote in the Primary if they turn 18 before the General Election in November.

Gibbs said it is important that Vermonters have opportunities to learn more about what will appear on the November ballot. And, Vermont's Town Clerks do not support the amendment, citing significant administrative problems and other ambiguities.

"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," Gibbs said. "Over the past few months voters have been able to learn about the candidates seeking office and who will appear on the ballot, but more must be done to encourage public discussion of the significance and gravity of amending the Constitution as quietly proposed by the Legislature."

The process for amending Vermont's Constitution is a four-year procedure within the Legislature that is intended to allow for significant pubic dialogue. But discussion surrounding this amendment has been insufficient, Gibbs noted.

"There are few responsibilities of the Secretary of State that are more important than the integrity of our elections and being certain every Vermonter has access to the information needed to make informed decisions at the polls," Gibbs said. "This is especially important when we're being asked to amend our most important governing document."

As Secretary of State, Gibbs said he would engage Vermonters in these matters. "I will put civic participation front and center. We'll go beyond the minimum procedural steps; I will not be satisfied until we succeed in reaching every potential voter with the information they need to be fully informed and engaged citizens," he said. "And we're going to begin by encouraging a good discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this proposed amendment."

A thorough review of the Legislature's website reveals no useful information on the subject, beyond the proposal itself being buried in the legislative tracking system. A Google search lists only a few news stories on the subject over the 4 years it floated quietly through the Legislature. And, further searches turn up no official source, hard copy or online, where Vermonters can go for a comprehensive explanation of Proposal 5 and the process that allowed it to reach the ballot.

Gibbs said as Secretary of State he would facilitate public dialogue using the full range of outreach and communication tools. "I will be a Secretary of State who reaches out to the people of Vermont and uses all available communication tools--and good old fashion shoe leather--to keep them informed and engaged in these critically important discussions."

THE AMENDMENT PROCESS
The process for amending our Constitution is intentionally protracted in order to provide multiple opportunities for public dialogue. Amendments can only be proposed every 4 years, must originate in the Senate and be approved by the Senate with a two/thirds vote before being sent to the House where a majority vote is required. If it passes that initial process, both chambers of the next Legislature must also approve the proposal by majority vote and then the proposal goes to voters for ratification.

THE LANGUAGE OF PROPOSAL 5
Section 42 of Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution will be amended to read:

"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."