By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998410.mp3
Montpelier, VT – The Senate Government Operations Committee is reviewing a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to win if they get the most votes, and not more than 50-percent, as currently required. If a candidate does not receive 50-percent of the vote the final decision is made by the Legislature. Vermont Senate President Pro-Tem John Campbell says the voters should have the final choice.
Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of Political Science Eric Davis notes that the existing constitutional provision dates back to the 19th century, before there were political parties in Vermont.
Senate Government Operations Committee Chair Jeannette White says because the Vermont constitution only allows a proposed amendment to be introduced in 4 year intervals, there are several proposals up for review in the upcoming session.
If the proposal makes it out of committee, it will need 20 of the 30 Senators to approve it to advance. A constitutional amendment must then pass a House majority vote. Then, it must be approved by majorities in each chamber during the next legislative biennium before it is presented to voters for approval.