Petition declaring that a bill passed by the Vermont House of Representatives is un-Constitutional

We the undersigned are registered voters in Vermont and declare that…

Whereas the Vermont Constitution states: “QUALIFICATIONS OF FREEMEN AND FREEWOMEN, § 42. [VOTER’S QUALIFICATIONS AND OATH] 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:…”

Whereas, according to the Vermont Constitution, municipalities are creatures of the State of Vermont and are therefore extensions of the State.

Whereas allowing residents less than 18 years of age to vote would dilute the voting rights of those who are at least 18 years of age.

Whereas the Vermont Constitution says "...but they [the House and Senate] shall have no power to add to, alter, abolish, or infringe any part of this Constitution.”

Whereas the Vermont Constitution clearly defines the process by which the Constitution is amended.

Whereas on April 29, 2021, the Vermont House of Representatives passed bill H.361, which amends Brattleboro’s municipal charter to allow 16-year olds to vote in municipal elections and serve on town boards, such as the select board.

Be it resolved that we the undersigned firmly believe that making H.361 the law would violate the Vermont Constitution. If Brattleboro or the General Assembly wants to amend the Vermont Constitution, it must utilize the Constitutionally-mandated process for doing so.