Amid ongoing legal battles over vote-by-mail and voter eligibility, the 2026 midterm general elections are getting closer. Control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives is up for grabs. This year’s Election Day will also decide 36 gubernatorial seats, with a profound effect on how states will be governed. In at least one governor’s race, a candidate definitely won’t be drinking champagne if he manages to pull off an upset. He also can’t vote for himself and may have to skip geometry class to squeeze in a final bit of campaigning.
It’s extremely unlikely that 15-year-old Dean Roy is going to win the election in November to become Vermont’s governor. Still, due to the somewhat non-demanding requirements listed in the Vermont Constitution for pursuing the office, the rising high school sophomore is set to appear on Vermont’s November election ballot. If a teenager can legally run to be Vermont’s chief executive officer, can anyone? Can you?
While the odds are against a political neophyte making a successful bid for governor, most people have the option to run for any public office. Think you could do a better job than your town’s current mayor? Feel like your Board of Education spends too much (or too little) money? It’s up to you if you want to try to step up and make a difference, but you’ll need more than a fetching smile and a firm handshake. Eligibility requirements for public office vary by state, country, and municipality. Winning over registered voters is only possible if you’re allowed to be on the ballot in the first place.
Free Pizza Isn’t on the Ballot, Even if the Teen Who Works at a Pizza Place Is
Nobody would blame you for wondering how Roy could be legitimately on the ballot to be Vermont’s next governor. Almost all states require gubernatorial candidates to be at least 18 years old, with most setting the minimum at 25 or 30. For Roy, he needed to be a Vermont resident for at least four years by Election Day and a U.S. citizen. He also can’t be holding any other legislative or constitutional offices.
Additionally, Roy needed to submit the required candidate paperwork, including a petition with 500 signatures. He sidestepped trying to win either a Republican or Democratic primary election by running as a member of the Freedom and Unity Party (which he created).
Being able to register to vote isn’t listed as a requirement, so there’s a legal possibility that Roy could serve as Vermont’s governor for the next two years (no, that’s not a typo. Vermont elects a new governor biennially). Given the popularity of the incumbent, Phil Scott, it’s more likely that Roy will have fun with the experience before returning to school and his part-time job in his family’s pizza parlor.
Thinking of Running Yourself?
If you’re ready to seek public office, your first step should probably be learning the eligibility requirements. These will vary significantly by state jurisdiction and, when applicable, by county and municipality. For governor, most states require a minimum age ranging from 18 years old to 31. Duration of state citizenship, qualified voting years, and U.S. citizenship also vary, with some or all not required in certain states.
Those with their hearts set on the governor’s seat should visit their state’s Secretary of State’s website, which will provide information on the specific requirements needed to run, such as donation disclosures, your Social Security number, and other government documents. This also applies to state senators and representatives. Keep in mind that unless you secure the nomination of one of the major parties, you’ll likely be at a number of competitive disadvantages, not the least of which is financial.
For those looking to create an impact through local representation, such as a seat on the town council, an alderman, or even as mayor, your requirements and responsibilities for running are going to be found at either the county or the town clerk’s office, depending on what office you’re seeking. Registration deadlines can vary because of special elections, early voting, and primaries, so don't leave things until the last minute.
Regardless of what office you aspire to, be aware of what you’ll face as a public servant. Given how political rhetoric and animosity continue to be amped up, serving on the borough council of even a small town may entail dealing with angry constituents. Walking into an election counting on your charisma to carry you to victory may not end well. In addition to researching and developing your platform, you’ll need to do your best to get it heard. Be ready for the time, expense, and stress involved in going door-to-door, hosting town halls, advertising, and fundraising. And remember that no matter how great your accomplishments or brilliant your ideas, you'll never please or agree with everyone. That's politics.
That's not to say running for office is never worth it. Holding public office offers you the chance to truly make the changes you feel your community needs.
The Kids Are Alright
While it’s wild to consider that a person who isn’t eligible to vote could end up as the leader of Vermont, the chances of Dean Roy actually winning are infinitesimal, a fact the teen publicly acknowledges. It would make him the youngest U.S. governor ever, eclipsing the mark of 24 years old set by Michigan Governor Stevens T. Mason in 1835 (this bar trivia night factoid brought to you courtesy of FindLaw).
Still, Roy believes his presence on the ballot could help both political parties begin to take potential first-time voters like high school and college students seriously.
