Vermont State Lottery Question (1976)

Ballot measures in Vermont
Constitutional amendments
Statutes referred by Legislature
Amending the Vermont Constitution
Vermont Constitution

A Vermont State Lottery Question was on the November 2, 1976 ballot in Vermont as an advisory question, where it was approved.

The question on the ballot was, "Shall the General Assembly consider enactment of a Vermont lottery to supplement state revenues?"

• Yes: 127,001 a
• No: 49,447

After the November 1976 vote, on April 27, 1977, the Vermont General Assembly approved a statewide lottery "to produce the maximum amount of net revenue consonant with the dignity of the state and the general welfare of the people."

The state lottery authorized in 1977 is managed by the Vermont Lottery Commission. The Vermont Lottery is a member of the Tri-State Lottery, along with the New Hampshire and Maine Lotteries.

Background

Vermont politicians were seeking new sources of revenue in the 1970s as they expanded the cost and scope of programs funded by the state government. The idea of raising funds via a state lottery became an attractive revenue option because offering a state lottery did not generate the same negative reaction associated with increased taxes.

Vermonters acted in February 1779 to prohibit lotteries without "special liberty" from the Vermont General Assembly. Special liberties after 1779 were frequently granted to Vermont organizations seeking to raise funds for their causes. In 1804, this practice was ended. In 1826, the state legislature also voted to prohibit the sale, in Vermont, of lottery tickets from other states.

Path to the ballot

Vermont Act 252 of 1976, approved by the legislature on April 7, 1976, called for the advisory vote.

External links

• Text of the Lottery Question