| The primary cycle has been dominated by such extreme Republican dysfunction that most Democrats are enjoying it as disbelieving spectators; but there is something other than Republican melt-down that makes the 2012 primaries especially noteworthy.
2012 is the first year in which a new amendment to the state constitution allows young people who will be eighteen by November 6, but are still shy of their eighteenth birthday as of primary day, to vote in a presidential primary election. Vermont is one of the first states to take this initiative.
Credit for proposing the new amendment belongs to three young students, Kate Levasseur, Ellie Beckett and Courtney Mattison who were serving as State House interns when they came up with the idea; and to two social studies instructors at BFA Fairfax, David Clark and Judith Stewart, who encouraged their effort.
The amendment, dubbed "Proposition 5," which was overwhelmingly endorsed by voters in November 2010, permits seventeen-year olds who will be eligible to vote by the date of the general election to more fully participate in the process of both statewide and presidential elections. They will not be administered the Voter's Oath until they are of age, but their vote in the primary will be accepted on an equal footing with that of every other voter in the state.
It is hoped that this early engagement will serve not only to better prepare young voters to make a choice in the general election, but will also increase the likelihood that they will fully commit to a lifetime of voter participation.
On February 6, taking advantage of new technology now available to Vermont schools, Secy. of State Jim Condos, a passionate supporter of the early engagement model, met with eighty BFA Fairfax students in a virtual "classroom" to listen to their comments on the new amendment, to answer their questions and to explain to potential first-time voters what they can expect.
BFA Fairfax students have even made their own "get out the vote" video and expect a good turn-out by BFA seniors on primary day.
In a year where voter suppression has once again reared its ugly head on the national scene, it is comforting to know that, at least here at home in Vermont, we are invested in the idea of voter empowerment and expanded participation.
"Congratulations" to all those seventeen-year old Vermonters who will have the excitement of voting in their first primary this year; and "thank you" to Secy. Condos for demonstrating, once again, what meaningful engagement by a state officer truly is.
One quick reminder from Secy. Condos to all Vermonters: The last day to register to vote (on March 6) is Wednesday, Feb 29, by 5pm, at your local city or town clerk's office. |
