ABC-22 News

Lawmakers Consider Amendment
By Jenny Rizzo
November 8, 2002

Key Quote: Governor Howard Dean said "I think it should be I.R.V., instant runoff voting, because I think it's the cheapest and it makes the most sense, but that's going to be up to the legislature. I'm not going to be around to influence that debate."

Although Jim Douglas will be Vermont's next governor, it won't be official until the legislature votes him in this January, because he didn't get to the 50.1 percent level.

The unique circumstances of this past election are prompting lawmakers to re-examine the state's constitution.

Apparent Governor Elect Jim Douglas said, "The Constitution itself has what's called a 'time lock.' There are only certain years in which an amendment can be proposed and 2003 is one of them."

Some lawmakers think this past election is proof of why the Constitution needs to change.

Democrat Dick Sears, of Bennington, said "This election that we just saw is going to be similar to future elections where we have strong either third party candidates or strong independents."

Vermont and Mississippi are the only two states in the nation, with this 50% majority requirement.

If lawmakers really want to change this rule, they will need to amend the Constitution, and that could take almost 10 years.

There are plenty of options to debate before a switch can be made.

Douglas said, "I think the plurality rule that prevails in 48 states is probably the model to look at and I would suggest the committee examine them all, but that's my preference." Governor Howard Dean said "I think it should be I.R.V., instant runoff voting, because I think it's the cheapest and it makes the most sense, but that's going to be up to the legislature. I'm not going to be around to influence that debate."

Jim Douglas will be around however, and his election will serve as a reminder of how close 2002's races really were.