Q&A: Candidates for Treasurer
The Vermont treasurer manages the state’s money and investments, collects and returns “unclaimed financial property” — aka your hard-earned cash — and promotes efforts to improve Vermonters’ financial literacy. Treasurer Beth Pearce is not running for reelection. These are the candidates vying to replace her. H. Brooke Paige Age: Did not provide Town of residence:…
Q&A: Candidates for Auditor
Making sure the government is spending our tax dollars effectively falls to the state auditor. Doug Hoffer, the current auditor — first elected in 2012 — is running for reelection. Here are his answers to our candidate questionnaire, alongside those of his rival, Richard “Rick” Morton. Doug Hoffer Age: 71 Town of residence: Burlington Occupation:…
Time to Choose: The 2022 Election Guide
When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June and made it possible for states to ban abortion, many American women who had taken their reproductive rights for granted were shocked and outraged. But abortion rights activists have been sounding the alarm about this possibility for some time. Their warnings grew louder in 2016,…
2022 Vermont General Election — List of All Candidates
The following candidates appear on the ballot for these statewide, county and legislative offices. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. Information was provided by the candidates. Probate judge, assistant judge and high bailiff candidates can be found online at sos.vermont.gov. Jump to: → Statewide Contests → Vermont Senate → Vermont House → State’s Attorney…
Elephant, Donkey, Moose: A Primer on Vermont’s Major Political Parties
Vermont has a national reputation as a reliably “blue” — aka Democratic — state, but the reality on the ground is more complicated. For example, the state’s best-known politician, the yuuuugely popular Sen. Bernie Sanders, ran for president as a Democrat. But the Bern is actually an independent: That’s how he’s identified himself since he…
Lasting Changes: Revisions to Vermont’s Constitution — Dealing With Slavery and Abortion — Are on the Ballot This Fall
Vermont’s constitution is the foundation upon which state government rests. It’s difficult to change — by design. The process takes years, and both the legislature and the governor have to sign off before amendments appear on the ballot. Vermont voters have approved just two amendments in the last 20 years, according to John Bloomer Jr.,…
Make Your Mark: How, When and Where to Vote This Fall
If you’re a U.S. citizen and Vermont resident 18 years old or older, you have the right — and the responsibility — to vote in the November 8 election. Democracy is like a big group project. Don’t be the person who sits in the back and complains but doesn’t actually do any work! Luckily, Vermont…
Q&A: Candidates for U.S. Senator
When Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced his impending retirement last year, it started a scramble for Vermont’s first open U.S. Senate seat in 16 years. The following candidates are seeking to serve a six-year term in the Senate, the deliberative body that decides the fate of all sorts of legislation, approves treaties with other nations…
Q&A: Candidates for Representative to Congress
Vermont’s sole seat in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives has no incumbent seeking reelection this year for the first time since 2006. Whoever wins this two-year term will have the opportunity to propose and vote on federal legislation and serve on committees, including those charged with government oversight. These are the candidates competing for…
Q&A: Candidates for Governor
The governor is Vermont’s CEO, the head of its executive branch of government. The Vermont legislature passes bills; the governor decides whether to sign them into law. The roles are reversed when it comes to the state budget, which the governor drafts and the legislature approves. The governor also appoints agency leaders and issues executive…
Q&A: Candidates for Lieutenant Governor
The lieutenant governor presides over the Vermont Senate. The position is largely ceremonial — unless the governor is incapacitated or unable to serve. In that case, the LG takes over the top job. Democrat Molly Gray, the current lieutenant governor, is not running for reelection. These are the candidates vying for the job. Ian G.…
Q&A: Candidates for Secretary of State
The Secretary of State’s Office manages trademarks, professional licensing and regulation of business services including data brokers, telemarketers and amusement ride operators. It’s also responsible for overseeing Vermont elections. Its elections division maintains a database of lobbyists and one for campaign finance disclosures, and it works with local Boards of Civil Authority to ensure that…
Q&A: Candidates for Attorney General
The attorney general is Vermont’s lawyer and represents the state in civil and criminal proceedings. The Attorney General’s Office handles a wide variety of cases, including criminal offenses, civil rights violations, consumer protection and environmental matters. Democrat T.J. Donovan stepped down from this job over the summer. When the current interim AG, Susanne R. Young,…
