Voter's oath or affirmation facts for kids

The voter's oath is a special promise or statement that people make when they register to vote in the U.S. state of Vermont. It used to be called the freemen's oath. This oath is a way for citizens to promise they will vote honestly and for the good of the state.

In 2007, the rules for this oath changed. It became much easier to take it. Before, only certain officials like notaries could give the oath. Now, almost anyone can give it, even the person who is registering to vote.

The Freemen's Oath was an important part of Vermont's first constitution in 1777. This constitution was special because it was the first in the Western Hemisphere to let all men vote. This was true no matter how much property they owned. Many American colonies had a similar "Freemen's Oath." For a long time, official Vermont documents even started with the words "BY THE FREEMEN OF VERMONT."

What is the Original Freemen's Oath?

The first version of the oath was written in 1777. It explained who could vote and what they had to promise.

Here is what the original oath said:

• Any man who was 21 years old or older.
• He had to be a citizen of Vermont.
• He needed to have lived in Vermont for a certain time.
• He had to be quiet and peaceful.
• He also had to take the following oath or affirmation.

The promise itself was:

You solemnly swear (or affirm) that whenever you give your vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the state of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any man.

This meant that when you voted, you promised to do what you truly believed was best for Vermont. You had to vote according to the state's Constitution. And you had to vote without being afraid of anyone or trying to please anyone.

How the Oath Changed for Everyone

Over time, the world changed, and so did who could vote. In November 2002, the Vermont General Assembly (which is like Vermont's state parliament) updated the oath. They changed the words to include women, not just men. The oath was also renamed the "Voter's Oath."

Here is what the updated oath says:

• Any person who is 18 years old or older.
• They must be a citizen of the United States.
• They need to have lived in Vermont for a certain time.
• They must be quiet and peaceful.
• They also have to take the following oath or affirmation.

The updated promise is:

You solemnly swear (or affirm) that whenever you give your vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any person.

The main changes are that it says "every person" instead of "every man." It also says "any person" instead of "any man" at the end. This makes the oath apply to everyone who can vote today.

Vermont is one of only three U.S. states that require a voter's oath. The other two are Alabama and Florida.