Governor Scott Must Sign the Brattleboro Youth Vote Amendment NOW

Youth Vote Amendment for allowing youth to serve in town government and vote in local elections at age 16.

Scott talked for half an hour with me and Teena Hayden in February 2020, and he assured us quite clearly of his enthusiasm for the amendment for exactly the reason that it addresses youth emigration out of Vermont. His objection about uniformity among town charters makes no sense: there is statute and procedures for towns to change their charter, and they do it all the time. Besides, the Brattleboro amendment only affects Brattleboro elections. The amendment is a big win for a vibrant democracy in Vermont and will attract people to Vermont. People tend to settle where they first vote. Scott’s new stance does not match his concern about the aging of Vermont’s population. So surely messages to him should demand an explanation for this discrepancy. If he signs this week, young people will be able to vote in March 1 and become reps on our lower town council. Also write to the local paper news@reformer.com and tell others to call the governor at 802 828 3333.