Proposals to amend state constitution to appear on the November ballot

Gov. Phil Scott formally notified Vermonters that Proposals 3 and 4, proposed amendments to the Vermont Constitution passed by the General Assembly, will appear on the general election ballot in November. Pursuant to Section 72 of Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution and Chapter 32 of Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, the governor gave formal public notice of the proposed amendments by official proclamation.

Proposal 3 proposes to codify in the Vermont Constitution employees’ right to collectively bargain with employers and Proposal 4 would add an amendment to the Vermont Constitution guaranteeing people equal protection under the law.

To amend Vermont’s Constitution, the state Senate must vote by a two-thirds majority to advance a proposal to the state House of Representatives. If the House concurs, by a simple majority, the proposal advances to the next biennial session of the General Assembly, where the House and Senate must both concur with the proposed amendment by simple majority. If passed, the proposal is brought before Vermonters by referendum. A majority of voters must approve of the measure for the constitution to be amended.

The proclamation regarding Proposal 3 can be found at https://bit.ly/DVN1847proclamation3; the proclamation regarding Proposal 4 can be found at https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/Proclamation 4 Civil Rights.pdf.