Imagine a job to which you have to reapply every two years — and the “hiring committee” consists of half a million people who don’t know you and might not want to.
That’s what candidates for elected office are up against in Vermont.
Seven Days’ job is to dig up and share unbiased, fact-checked information about those individuals seeking your vote. We report on their backgrounds, relevant experience and where they stand on important issues. For an incumbent, the question should be: Has this public servant delivered?
The goal is to help you choose the best people to represent and serve you.
Frankly, that endeavor looks different than it did 50 years ago, when U.S. newspapers generally had many more reporters covering politics and editorial boards met with every candidate to decide which ones to publicly endorse. Back then, a thumbs-up from a respected media outlet could almost guarantee a win. But the practice was also politically divisive and labor-intensive. As newspapers across the country have lost influence and struggled to survive, many have come to the conclusion that they can ill afford to alienate anyone. In Vermont, the Saint Albans Messenger and the Addison County Independent are among the few that maintain the time-honored practice.
From 1978 to 1990, the original alternative weekly in Vermont, the Vanguard Press, wrote editorials and endorsed political candidates — it supported Bernie Sanders during his run for mayor. Seven Days went a different route. For decades we published a very spicy insider political column, but now our approach is more straightforward. We write about issues before the legislature that matter and political stories that catch our eye, from U.S. Rep. Becca Balint’s weird first week in Washington, D.C., to diminishing civility in the Vermont Statehouse.
It’s gotten harder for local media outlets to cover elections in a meaningful way.
The truth is: It’s gotten harder for local outlets such as this one to cover elections in a meaningful way. Fewer people are running for office, but some of those who do step forward are not credible candidates. Should we treat everyone equally, including “fringe” prospects, even though it leads to charges of “both-sidesism” and can transform forums into farces, turning off voters? Should we report on social media allegations against a candidate, knowing that, even if untrue, they have the potential to tank a campaign?
Early voting may be convenient, but it forces journalists to start reporting on campaigns before most people are paying attention or the candidates have started interacting with each other. It also means that some people cast their votes before all the facts have been revealed — often, important details don’t surface until closer to Election Day. As of Tuesday, nearly 20,000 Vermonters had requested absentee ballots, and 7,783 successfully filled in the ovals, according to the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. Will any of them regret their selections as a result of what they learn in the next two weeks?
When my neighbor asked, “Who should I vote for?” I wanted to say: “Can you just wait for the July 29 issue of Seven Days?” Here it is: an assortment of news stories — and a handy guide with candidate Q&As — about the primary election on August 11. Political cartoonist Tim Newcomb tied the two together with Beatles-themed cover art. Can you ID all the current and former elected officials in the spoof of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band?
In liberal Vermont, some of the most competitive races are among those vying for the Democratic nomination. We wrote about the hottest primary contest, for Chittenden County state’s attorney, almost a month ago. In a cover story headlined “Pleading Their Case,” reporter Colin Flanders did a great job explaining the difference between the two candidates, Sarah George and Bram Kranichfeld, former colleagues who are both practicing state’s attorneys with slightly different approaches to law enforcement. For the past two weeks, our Feedback section has been full of letters to the editor responding to the story and the candidates. The race has become a referendum on public safety in Burlington.
This week, look for reader reactions to Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin, Vermont senate candidate Joanna Grossman, and lieutenant governor wannabes Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren. And lots of ads. Thanks to those Vermont politicians who support the news-gathering efforts of local media outlets — even if they don’t always like what we write. That’s democracy.
2026 Primary Election Voters’ Guide
July 29 • 2026
This article appears in July 29 • 2026.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
