When you cast your vote in the next few days you’ll notice a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. VPIRG encourages you to Vote YES on this amendment.
The amendment would allow young men and women who are citizens of Vermont and who will be 18 years old on or before the general election in November to vote in that election’s primary.
VPIRG has always supported ways to increase voter participation in elections, and this is one good way to do it. Studies have shown that people who begin voting at an early age tend to vote regularly throughout their lifetime. And this is particularly important in Vermont, where we’ve had relatively weak turnout among young voters in the past.
The amendment must pass a ballot referendum of the people in this November’s election in order to become part of the constitution. It has already been passed by the Legislature in two successive sessions.
At least 18 other states already allow 17-year-olds to vote in nominating contests as long as they turn 18 by Election Day. It’s time for Vermont to join this list of states promoting more participation among young voters.
Please Vote YES on the constitutional amendment!
If you are interested in requesting an early voting ballot, you can do that on our website by clicking here!