It can be hard to find the time or energy for politics during the summer, but if you care about who controls the government in 2027, you need to vote in the August primary. In some cases, this election is more hotly contested than the one in November.
This year’s primaries will determine the Democratic nominee for governor, lieutenant governor and auditor, as well as the Republican nominee for Vermont’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. For this voters’ guide, we asked candidates in competitive statewide primaries to answer questions in writing about the race and their platforms.
Historically, fewer people turn out for primary elections than for the general election in November. Everybody’s got an excuse. Read on to learn why you should vote this summer — and how easily you can.
Excuse: These elections aren’t important.
Vermont voters choose the people who will decide hot-button issues in the state, such as land use in rural areas and property tax levels. Every seat in the Vermont legislature — 30 senators and 150 members of the House of Representatives — is up for grabs. During its last session, the legislature revamped how Vermont’s schools are governed and financed. The stakes are high.
Excuse: I’m not registered.
In Vermont, you can register to vote up to and including the day of an election. For details about options, visit sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration.
Excuse: I never got my mail-in ballot via the U.S. Postal Service.
Stop checking your mailbox. While Vermont provides universal mail-in, aka “absentee,” ballots for general elections, voters have to request them for primaries.
Excuse: I will be on vacation with my family on August 11.
Lucky you! But that’s no reason not to vote. Simply stop by your municipal clerk’s office in person during business hours before you go. Early voting started on June 29 and extends through August 10.
Excuse: I’m ill and shouldn’t leave my house.
They’re not doctors, but Vermont’s justices of the peace do make house calls. On Election Day, they bring ballots to homebound voters. If you can’t make it to the polls, call your city or town clerk before the close of business on the day before the election. Two JPs will bring a ballot to your home — and turn it in for you.
Remember: If you are a new voter, be aware that primaries are different from the November elections.
Once you have registered to vote, you can log on to the Vermont Voter Portal at vote.vermont.gov. There, you can view sample ballots for your district and see who is running. You can also view statements from the candidates themselves.
When you go to vote, you’ll get a ballot for each party — Democratic, Republican or Progressive — but can only select candidates on one of them. Check out our lookup tool to see who on the ballot in your area.
Pro Tip
Those “I Voted” stickers they hand out at the polls are fetching fashion accessories. Get yours on August 11 at your polling place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and wear it proudly. ➆
The original print version of this article was headlined “Vote Together”
Related
This article appears in 2026 Primary Election Voters’ Guide.
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