Heady Vermont Voter Guide

Polls open across Vermont on Tuesday morning, August 14, for the 2018 primary election to choose major party candidates for the November General Election.

Here are some thing voters should know.

When is the Primary Election?

Tuesday, August 14.

What are the candidates’ positions on cannabis reform in each race?

We sent out a statewide, detailed seven-question survey to candidates. Check out their responses on our 2018 Vermont Elections page! If you don’t see answers from candidates in your district, we encourage you to send the candidates cannabis survey to them via this link.

Where can I vote?

To find a list of polling stations in your community, go to the Voters page on the secretary of state’s election website and click on the green bar marked  “2018 Primary and General Election Polling Place Listing.”

This is the best place to find out the location of your polling place, and much more election related information specific to you. To login, you will be asked for your Name, Date of Birth, Town of Residence, and Driver’s License #, PID #, or the last four digits of your SSN.

Polling places for annual and special local elections are often in different locations than those for the primary and general elections. You may also contact your town or city clerk to verify the location of polling places for local elections.

When can I vote?

Early voting has been underway since June 29. On Tuesday, polls in Chittenden County are generally open from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Times for a specific polling place is included in the same list as polling stations at Voters page on the secretary of state’s election website.

What is same-day voter registration?

Starting this year, Vermont residents can register to vote at their polling station on the day of the election. Check the Secretary of State’s Office voter registration website for details.

What is a primary election?

Primary elections are a way for political parties to choose their candidates for the November General Election. In Vermont, only major parties – Democrat, Republican and Progressive – are required to hold primary elections. If a major party fails to nominate a candidate through a primary, then a party committee may choose who appears on the ballot.

Independents, or candidates who choose not to be affiliated with a party, are not required to run in a primary election.

What offices are up for election?: All statewide offices, as well as every seat in the Vermont House and Senate are up for election every two years.

Statewide offices include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor of accounts and treasurer. There are two candidates for governor on the ballot in the Republican primary, and four candidates in the Democratic race. The other races only have one candidate from each party on the ballot.

Also, there are primary races for a U. S. Senate seat and a U.S. House seat. There are two names on the Democratic ballot for the Senate, and four names for Republicans. Also, three candidates are running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House, and two for the Republican nod.

Where do I find a list of candidates?

The Secretary of State’s Office publishes a list of qualified candidates for the Aug. 14 primary. The list can be found on a spreadsheet posted on the secretary of state candidates website.

Do you have to be a member of a party to vote in the primary?

Vermonters do not have to be a registered member of a political party to vote in the primary. Voters will be handed ballots for all party primaries, and will choose one on which to cast their votes.

At the Secretary of State My Voter Page, you can find your polling place, request and track an absentee ballot, update your voter registration record, and find a host of information regarding your upcoming elections.