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Candidate Questionnaire

Welcome to the Natural Rights Project Candidate Questionnaire

The Natural Rights Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Vermonters about the natural, inherent, and unalienable rights recognized in the Vermont Constitution.


This questionnaire is intended to help Vermonters better understand how candidates view constitutional principles, individual rights, the role of government, and the proper relationship between citizens and the state.


Candidates are encouraged to respond, and constituents are encouraged to send this questionnaire to those seeking to represent them.


All candidates for the same office will be invited to respond to the same questions. Responses may be published on the Natural Rights Project website for public education purposes.


The Natural Rights Project does not endorse, oppose, rate, or rank candidates.

Constitutional Foundation

Chapter I, Article 1 of the Vermont Constitution states that all persons are born equally free and independent and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, including the rights of “enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.”

Chapter II, Section 71 further states that the Declaration of Rights is part of the Constitution and “ought not to be violated on any pretense whatsoever.” With those principles in mind, we invite candidates to respond to the following questions.

Candidate Information

Candidate Name:

Office Sought:

District:

Party Affiliation, if any:

Campaign Website

Contact Email:

Questions

1. Constitutional Limits on Government

Do you believe Vermont lawmakers should treat Article 1 of the Vermont Constitution and the Declaration of Rights, as a binding limit on government action?

Brief Explanation:

2. Property Rights

Do you believe the independent right to acquire, possess, and protect property should be given strong consideration when Vermont creates land use, housing, conservation, agriculture, or environmental policy?

Brief Explanation

3. Unelected Boards, Commissions, and Regional Planning Bodies

Do you believe unelected bodies, such as regional planning commissions, state boards, or land-use review entities, should have the authority to create or significantly shape rules that affect how Vermonters may use their land and property?

Brief Explanation

4. Local Accountability

Do you believe land-use and property-related decisions should remain primarily accountable to the Vermonters and communities most directly affected by them?

Brief Explanation

5. Constitutional Review of Legislation

Would you support stronger constitutional review procedures before bills are passed into law in Vermont?

Brief Explanation

6. Food Liberty

In November 2021, the citizens of Maine guaranteed all individuals the right to grow, raise, harvest, produce, and consume food of their choosing, including saving and exchanging seeds, while also respecting laws against trespassing or harming resources. They accomplished this by passing an Amendment to their State Constitution.
Would you support a similar effort to secure the natural right to consume food of our own choosing in Vermont?

Brief Explanation

7. Parental Rights

Do you believe parental consent should generally be required for major decisions involving minor children, including medical, educational, and legal decisions?

Brief Explanation

8. Medical Liberty and Bodily Autonomy

Do you believe individuals have a fundamental right to informed consent and to refuse medical interventions?

Brief Explanation

Closing Question

Is there anything else you would like Vermonters to know about your understanding of the Vermont Constitution, natural rights, or the proper role of government?