Vermont General Election
All races + two constitutional amendments on the ballot
Election Day
Nov 3, 2026
7 AM – 7 PM
General election candidates finalized after the August 11 primary
Filing closed May 28, 2026. The primary is August 11; the winner of each contested primary appears on the November ballot. Filed candidates are listed below.
Ballot Measures
Two constitutional amendments — content confirmed now
Right to Collective Bargaining
Constitutional amendment to protect workers' right to organize and collectively bargain
Proposal 3 would add workers' rights to organize unions and collectively bargain to the Vermont Constitution. It would also make it unconstitutional for Vermont to pass 'right-to-work' laws — laws that allow workers in a unionized workplace to opt out of paying union dues, which can weaken unions over time.
Proposed Constitutional Text
“That employees have the right to organize and join a labor organization for the purpose of collectively bargaining with their employers, and to protect their economic welfare and safety in the workplace. No law shall be enacted that interferes with, negates, or diminishes these rights.”
Arguments For
- Would constitutionally protect workers' right to organize and bargain — currently only protected by statute
- Would make Vermont one of only a handful of states to constitutionally protect collective bargaining
- Supporters argue constitutional protection is harder to undo than statutory protection
Arguments Against
- Opponents argue the amendment could deter businesses from locating in Vermont
- Opponents argue constitutional amendments should address fundamental rights, not labor policy
- Opponents argue it could reduce flexibility for future labor law reform
Equal Protection of Law
Constitutional amendment adding an explicit equal rights clause to the Vermont Constitution
Proposal 4 would add an explicit equal protection clause to the Vermont Constitution, listing nine protected characteristics. Vermont currently has broad general equality language in the constitution but no specific equal protection clause like the one in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Proposed Constitutional Text
“That the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law. The State shall not deny equal treatment and respect under the law on account of a person's race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.”
Arguments For
- Vermont's constitution does not currently contain an explicit equal protection clause
- Supporters say state-level constitutional protection would be independent of federal court decisions
- Passed the legislature 28-0 in the Senate and 140-4 in the House
Arguments Against
- Opponents note Vermont already has statutory anti-discrimination laws covering these characteristics
- Opponents argue constitutional amendments could produce unintended legal interpretations by courts
- Opponents argue constitutional amendments should not address issues already covered by statute
Vermont Statewide Offices
Governor
The Governor is Vermont's chief executive, responsible for managing state government, signing or vetoing legislation, appointing judges and cabinet members, and representing Vermont in national affairs.
Current Officeholder
Phil Scott has served as Vermont's Governor since January 2017, winning five consecutive two-year terms. A former contractor and racing driver, Scott is a Republican who has supported abortion rights and signed gun safety legislation while vetoing several Democratic tax and spending proposals. He won re-election in 2024 by more than 30 percentage points.
- Supports abortion rights
- Has signed gun safety legislation
Announced Candidates
Filed in the Democratic primary for Governor on May 28, 2026.
Filed in the Democratic primary for Governor on May 28, 2026.
Coventry Emergency Management Director; announced a Democratic primary bid for Governor in April. As of post-deadline reporting (VT Public, May 28), only Janoo and Richards were confirmed filed — Wilson's filing status is unconfirmed.
14-year-old Stowe student. Qualified for the November general election ballot via the newly-formed Freedom and Unity Party — appears directly on the general ballot without going through the primary. Coverage: Newsweek, Fortune, CNN.
Ran for Governor in 2024 as the Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party candidate. Has been associated with a possible 2026 run but no 2026 filing has been confirmed. The minor-party filing deadline is August 6, 2026.
The Republican primary is uncontested — Phil Scott faces no GOP opponent. The Democratic primary appears to be a two-way contest between Janoo and Richards (Wilson announced in April but is unconfirmed as a May 28 filer). Dean Roy of the new Freedom and Unity Party has already qualified for the November general ballot. The minor-party filing deadline is August 6, 2026, so additional general-ballot candidates may still emerge.
Lt. Governor
The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Vermont Senate (but only votes to break ties), serves on several state boards, and becomes Governor if the Governor is unable to serve.
Current Officeholder
John Rodgers was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2024 running as a Republican, after years as a Democratic state senator. He previously served in the Vermont House and Senate representing the Northeast Kingdom and has long advocated for Second Amendment rights.
- Supports Second Amendment rights
- Switched from Democrat to Republican before the 2024 race
Announced Candidates
Vermont educator and 2024 Democratic gubernatorial nominee; filed in the Democratic primary for Lt. Governor.
Former Vermont Lieutenant Governor (2021–2023); filed in the Democratic primary for Lt. Governor.
Filed in the Democratic primary for Lt. Governor.
Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers is running for a second term and faces no GOP primary opposition. Three Democrats — Charlestin, Gray, and McLaren — compete in the August 11 Democratic primary for the right to face him in November.
Attorney General
The Attorney General is Vermont's chief law enforcement officer, representing the state in legal matters, enforcing consumer protection laws, and prosecuting public corruption.
Current Officeholder
Charity Clark was elected Vermont Attorney General in 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the office. She previously served as Chief Assistant Attorney General. She has been active in multi-state coalitions on opioids, environmental protection, and consumer fraud.
- First woman to serve as Vermont Attorney General
- Active in multi-state opioid and environmental enforcement actions
AG Clark filed for reelection on May 4, 2026 (sources: VTDigger, WCAX). No primary or general challenger announced as of the May 28 filing deadline.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State oversees Vermont's elections, maintains official state records, regulates professional licenses, and registers businesses and nonprofits.
Current Officeholder
Sarah Copeland Hanzas was first elected Secretary of State in 2022. She previously served in the Vermont House of Representatives for over a decade. She succeeded Jim Condos, who served as Secretary of State from 2011–2022.
- Expanded access to absentee voting
- Modernized business registration systems
Secretary Copeland Hanzas filed for reelection (sources: VTDigger, Ballotpedia). No primary or general challenger announced as of the May 28 filing deadline.
State Treasurer
The State Treasurer manages Vermont's finances, investments, and public debt, and administers retirement funds for state employees and teachers.
Current Officeholder
Mike Pieciak was first elected State Treasurer in 2022. He previously served as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation and oversaw Vermont's pandemic stimulus distribution before becoming Treasurer.
- Focus on fiscal responsibility and pension fund management
- Advocates for Vermont housing investment programs
Treasurer Pieciak filed for reelection on the May 28 deadline.
State Auditor
The Auditor of Accounts independently audits Vermont state agencies, ensuring taxpayer money is spent efficiently, legally, and as intended. The Auditor reports to the legislature and the public — not the Governor.
Outgoing Officeholder
Doug Hoffer served as Vermont Auditor of Accounts from 2013–2026, winning seven consecutive terms. He announced before the 2024 election that 2026 would be his last term, opening the seat for the first time in 14 years.
- Audited state health benefit exchange, Agency of Transportation, and other major programs
- Published detailed reports on Vermont housing and workforce issues
Announced Candidates
Tim Ashe has served as Auditor Doug Hoffer's chief deputy since 2021. He was previously Vermont Senate President Pro Tem from 2013–2021, one of the most powerful positions in Vermont state government, and ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2020.
Williston business owner; filed in the Republican primary for Auditor of Accounts.
Filed in the Republican primary for Auditor of Accounts.
This is the first open Auditor race in Vermont in 14 years. Democrat Tim Ashe (Hoffer's chief deputy since 2021) is uncontested in the Democratic primary; Republicans Nick Graeter and Joshua Bechhoefer compete in the August 11 GOP primary.
Federal Office
U.S. House
Vermont has a single at-large congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. One representative covers the entire state, serving on congressional committees, voting on federal legislation, and directing federal funding to Vermont.
Current Officeholder
Becca Balint was elected Vermont's at-large U.S. Representative in 2022, becoming the first woman and first openly gay person elected to Congress from Vermont. She previously served in the Vermont Senate and as Senate President Pro Tem. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and House Education and Workforce Committee.
- First woman and first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Vermont
- Former Vermont Senate President Pro Tem
Announced Candidates
Army veteran; previously the 2022 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate against Peter Welch. Filed in the Republican primary for U.S. House.
Filed in the Republican primary for U.S. House.
Declared Unity Party write-in candidate for the November general election; not on the May 28 filed-by-deadline list.
Balint faces a contested GOP primary between Gerald Malloy and Mark Coester. Andrew Giusto is a declared Unity Party write-in for the November general (not on the filed ballot). Vermont's at-large seat has been held by a Democrat or Independent since 1991.
Vermont State Senate
Chittenden Southeast district — 3 seats
State Senate
Vermont State Senate
The Vermont State Senate has 30 members who serve 2-year terms. The Chittenden Southeast district elects 3 senators, who pass state legislation, approve the state budget, and confirm the Governor's key appointments.
Current Officeholders
Thomas Chittenden grew up in South Burlington and previously served on the South Burlington City Council. He was elected to the Vermont Senate representing Chittenden Southeast and is directly connected to his South Burlington constituents.
- Former South Burlington City Councilor
- Grew up in South Burlington
Virginia Lyons is a Vermont State Senator representing the Chittenden Southeast district. She has served in the Senate for multiple terms.
- Experienced Senate member
- Chittenden Southeast representative
Kesha Ram Hinsdale is a Vermont State Senator who previously served as chair of the Vermont Progressive Party before becoming a Democrat. She served in the Vermont House before moving to the Senate.
- Leading progressive voice in the Vermont Senate
- Former Vermont Progressive Party chair
Announced Candidates
Burlington community activist and former chair of the Chittenden County Democratic Party; filed in the Democratic primary for Chittenden-Southeast.
Charlotte pediatrician (partner at Timber Lane Pediatrics); filed in the Democratic primary for Chittenden-Southeast.
UVM student and South Burlington High School class of 2020 graduate; launched his Senate campaign in April and filed in the Republican primary for Chittenden-Southeast.
All three seats are on the ballot. The Democratic primary is a five-way contest between incumbents Thomas Chittenden, Virginia Lyons, and Kesha Ram Hinsdale and challengers Joanna Grossman and Elizabeth Hunt — voters choose three nominees. Republican Javen Sears, a UVM student and 2020 SBHS graduate, is the lone GOP filer.
Vermont House of Representatives
5 South Burlington districts
State House
Vermont House of Representatives
Current Officeholder
Bridget Burkhardt was elected to the Vermont House in 2024 and is serving her first term, representing a South Burlington district.
- First-term representative (elected 2024)
- South Burlington representative
Independents have until August 6, 2026 to file for the November general ballot.
State House
Vermont House of Representatives
Current Officeholder
Emilie Krasnow represents a South Burlington district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
- South Burlington representative
Independents have until August 6, 2026 to file for the November general ballot.
State House
Vermont House of Representatives
Current Officeholder
Kate Nugent represents a South Burlington district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
- South Burlington representative
Independents have until August 6, 2026 to file for the November general ballot.
State House
Vermont House of Representatives
Current Officeholder
Brian Minier represents a South Burlington district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
- South Burlington representative
Independents have until August 6, 2026 to file for the November general ballot.
State House
Vermont House of Representatives
Current Officeholder
Martin LaLonde is a South Burlington attorney who has served in the Vermont House for several terms. He is known as a reliable Democratic vote and has been active on legal and judiciary issues.
- Attorney by profession
- Multi-term South Burlington representative
Independents have until August 6, 2026 to file for the November general ballot.
General Election Voting Info
Polling Hours
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM on November 3, 2026
South Burlington Polling Locations
- Chamberlin School (White Street)
- Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School (Dorset Street)
- Orchard School (Baldwin Avenue)
- Kevin Dorn Senior Center at City Hall (Market Street)
Mail Ballots
Vermont automatically mails ballots to all registered voters for general elections. You may vote by mail or in person.
Voter Registration
Same-day registration available at the polls. Register online at mvp.vermont.gov
Official Resources
Vermont Secretary of State — Elections