14-year-old candidate for governor is first teen on Vermont's general election ballot

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old Stowe High freshman who formed the Freedom and Unity Party, qualified to appear on Vermont's general election ballot for governor in November. Vermont's constitution sets no minimum age for the office and requires four years of state residency.

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman from Stowe High School, has qualified to appear on Vermont's general election ballot for governor in November after forming the Freedom and Unity Party. He previously served as a legislative page at the Vermont State House and does not identify with either major party. Vermont's constitution does not set a minimum age for gubernatorial candidates and requires only four years of residency, which allowed his candidacy. The situation follows an earlier youth candidacy in 2018, when another eighth-grader sought the Democratic nomination. What is known: - Dean Roy, age 14, will be the first candidate under 18 to appear on Vermont's general election ballot for governor. - He secured ballot access by creating a third party called the Freedom and Unity Party. - Vermont's constitution does not specify a minimum age for governor; it requires four years of state residency for candidates. - Peter Teachout, a law professor, noted the constitution also ties voter privileges to age 18 and expressed skepticism about a teenage win. - Governor Phil Scott's office said it welcomes youth interest in politics but questioned whether a teenager is ready for the role; Roy has said housing is his top issue and discussed balancing school with duties if elected. Summary: Roy's place on the ballot highlights youth participation in state elections and raises questions about age and eligibility under Vermont law. The general election is scheduled for November, and the outcome and any wider effects are undetermined at this time.