VERNON — Vermont democracy is less than we believe: Crafty candidates can hijack our right to elect whom we choose.
Vermont law is silent about one candidate running for, winning, and holding two or more seats on the same school board or Selectboard.
Elected to more than one seat, a winner does not have to resign the additional seats, presumably casting a vote for each.
A winner can choose to resign the additional seats, joining fellow board members in appointing successors.
A candidate for multiple seats who has just one opponent can withdraw that candidacy at the deadline, allowing the “opponent” to run unopposed as the candidate's appointee.
Should Vermont legislators simply prohibit a candidate's taking out nominating petitions for election to more than one seat on the same school board or Selectboard?