REGION – Here’s what you need to know about the difference between the primary and the general election in Vermont in 2026.
The primary election, held on Aug. 11, allows voters to determine which candidates compete in the general election on Nov. 3. Vermont law provides for open primaries – voters don’t have to be registered with a specific political party to participate. The voter will choose one primary ballot to complete: Democratic Party, Republican Party, or Progressive Party. Primary winners are determined via plurality vote – the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, even if they did not win an outright majority of votes cast.
For the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 11, early voting ballots will be available at your town clerk after June 29. Absentee ballots can be requested from your town clerk or the secretary of state’s office at vote.vermont.gov. Please follow the instructions for marking and returning your ballot in time to be counted.
In-person voting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Polls must open between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., and must remain open until 7 p.m. Your local polling site can be found at sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/polling-places.
For the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Vermont will be mailing each registered voter a ballot by Oct. 1.
Return your ballot in advance to your town clerk by mail or during their office hours. Most towns have a specific drop box for after hours.
In-person voting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Bring your ballot with you to the polls. If you forget your ballot, you will still be able to vote by signing an affidavit of no ballot cast. Polls must open between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., and must remain open until 7 p.m. Your local polling site may be found at the same website as above.
You can check your registration status or register to vote online at the Vermont Voter Portal, vote.vermont.gov.