BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A controversial pro-Palestinian ballot item fails to make it onto the Town Meeting Day ballot after a tie vote.
The ballot item was four statements in support of the Palestinian people and decrying the state of Israel.
It’s the same one that councilors voted on in January. It failed then too.
Councilors expressed concern that if the measure made it to the ballot, it would add to divisiveness in the community. Those in favor of the measure said they wanted reassurance that Burlington does not support what they call genocide.
“When 2,000 verified voters ask for an issue to be brought to a community vote, it means the issue matters. Voting is real and meaningful and denying that vote is anti-democratic,” said Ward 2 City Councilor Gene Bergman.
Advocates hope to bring this pledge to five other vermont cities and towns.