June 28, 2026
– By Kim Watkin
Here’s what you need to know about the difference between the PRIMARY and the GENERAL ELECTION in Vermont in 2026.
The PRIMARY ELECTION (August 11, 2026) allows voters to determine which candidates compete in the General Election on November 3, 2026. 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, August 11, 2026:
- Early Voting ballots will be available at your town clerk after June 29th.
- Absentee ballots Can Be Requested from your town clerk or the Secretary of State’s Office at https://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, August 11th (polls must be open between 5am to 10am until 7pm) at your polling site – https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/polling-places.
For the GENERAL ELECTION on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Vermont will be mailing each registered voter a ballot by October 1st.
- 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, November 3rd. 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 be open between 5am to 10am until 7pm at at your polling site – https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/polling-places.
Quick Links:
- Check Your Registration Status at the VT Voter Portal – https://vote.vermont.gov.
- Register to vote online at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration.
- Learn About Election Security in Vermont: