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Ballot question

Proposal 4: equal protection under the law (constitutional amendment)

On the ballot in
Vermont
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

That Article 23 of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read: Article 23. [Equality of rights] That the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law. The State shall not deny equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or applied to prevent the adoption or implementation of measures intended to provide equality of treatment and opportunity for members of groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.

A “Yes” vote means

A yes vote adds an equal-protection article to the Vermont Constitution: the State may not deny equal treatment based on race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other listed traits.

A “No” vote means

A no vote leaves the Vermont Constitution unchanged; it would not add this equal-protection article.

Official plain English statement

This proposal would amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont to specify that the government must not deny equal treatment and respect under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.

Question text is the article of amendment as proclaimed by the Governor on July 27, 2026. plainEnglish is the Secretary of State's (State Archives) summary of the proposal, not a ballot statement.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.

Proposal 4: equal protection under the law (constitutional amendment) · 2026 General Election · The Gist