There shall be biennially elected, by ballot, five councilors, for advising the governor in the executive part of government. The freeholders and other inhabitants in each county, qualified to vote for senators, shall some time in the month of November, give in their votes for one councilor; which votes shall be received, sorted, counted, certified, and returned to the secretary's office, in the same manner as the votes for senators, to be by the secretary laid before the senate and house of representatives on the first Wednesday following the first Tuesday of January.

June 2, 1784

Amended 1792 twice changing the council from members of the house and senate elected by the house and senate to individuals elected by voters - one in each county; and changing president to governor.

Amended 1877 twice substituting biennially for annually and November for March.

Amended 1889 substituting January for June.

Amended 1984 changing the first Wednesday to the first Wednesday following the first Tuesday.