14-year-old Vermonter qualifies for to run for governor

A 14-year-old has qualified for the gubernatorial ballot in Vermont, becoming the first candidate under 18 to appear on the state’s general election ballot for the position. “I don't expect necessarily to win,” said teenager Dean Roy, according to the Associated Press. “What I do expect is to start the movement, and get more young people to come in behind me and say, ‘Yeah, we also want to make change.’”

Roy, a freshman at Stowe High School, previously worked as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse. He was able to secure a spot on the ballot by forming his own third party, the “Freedom and Unity Party.” While most states impose minimum age requirements for governor, Vermont’s constitution does not set an age limit and instead requires candidates to have lived in the state for at least four years

“I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now,” Roy said in a social media post. “They’ve been doing this forever and things still aren’t working.”

Roy said he does not identify with either major political party and has made housing in the state his biggest issue. He also noted he would continue his education through online classes and doing homework at night if elected to the full-time position.

His former history teacher, James Carpenter, defended his efforts, saying that Roy is an “old soul” who is curious and focused on political issues.

“It just really shows what type of kid Dean is. He’s very earnest in what he’s doing. There’s no gimmick behind this,” Carpenter said. “I think he blends that youthful optimism with some pragmatism that few kids have.”

Incumbent governor Phil Scott also acknowledged Roy’s effort, while raising concerns about his age.

“He believes it’s important for our youth to get involved,” stated press secretary Amanda Wheeler. “But the Governor also believes that a teenager may not be best suited to serve in that role given the lack of experience and lived perspectives youth have at that point in their lives.”