Joint resolution establishing a procedure for the conduct of the election of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College trustees by plurality vote by the General Assembly in 2025

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Baruth

JRS 13 requires the 2025 UVM trustees election be decided by plurality vote by the General Assembly, potentially electing winners without an absolute majority; limited to 2025.

As adopted by Senate and House

Summary — JRS 13 (2025)

Title: Joint resolution establishing a procedure for the conduct of the election of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College trustees by plurality vote by the General Assembly in 2025
Bill number: JRS 13
Classification: Joint resolution
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Status: As adopted by Senate and House (adopted in concurrence; final actions February 12–14, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

JRS 13 directs that the General Assembly’s 2025 election of trustees for the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College be conducted using a plurality voting method. In other words, candidates who receive the highest number of votes win the available trustee seats even if they do not receive an absolute majority of votes.

Key provisions

Requires the General Assembly to use a plurality vote to elect trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College in 2025.

Establishes the voting procedure specifically for the 2025 trustee election (the title limits the scope to that year).

(Note: the text made available in the bill summary is limited; the resolution’s full text would specify any additional procedural details, such as ballot mechanics, how ties are handled, or the number of seats.)

Who is affected

Candidates for trustee positions of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College in the 2025 election.

Current and prospective trustees and the governance of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.

Members of the Vermont General Assembly, who will conduct the election under the prescribed plurality rule.

Potential indirect effects on university stakeholders (students, faculty, alumni) due to any change in trustee selection dynamics.

Procedural / Timeline aspects

Introduced in the General Assembly on February 12, 2025.

Read and adopted by the originating chamber on February 12, 2025; placed on Calendar for Action pursuant to Rule 52.

Adopted in concurrence and placed on the Action Calendar February 13, 2025.

House message indicating concurrence and final status: adopted by both Senate and House on February 14, 2025.

Implications and considerations

Plurality voting can result in winners who do not have majority support when multiple candidates split the vote; this can change election strategy and outcomes compared with majority or runoff systems.

The resolution appears limited to the 2025 trustee election; any longer-term change to trustee selection method would require additional legislative action or amendment.

For precise operational details (e.g., tie-breaking, ballots, number of seats), consult the resolution’s full text as adopted by the General Assembly or the legislative website.