Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont internship program
Voters in the Green Mountain State cast ballots in Tuesday’s midterm elections, choosing candidates in races ranging from governor to justices of the peace, plus two constitutional amendments. Community News Service reporters fanned out across the state to talk to people at the polls about what’s at stake. Here’s what voters had to say.
Hinesburg: Voters weigh local option tax
At 7:30 a.m., the dreary weather and early hour did not stop voters from coming to Town Hall.
Hinesburg resident Ron Northcutt described the voting process as “super easy and convenient.”
“Even though we’re a very small place,” Northcutt said, “our voice matters, and the things that we do matter.”
Northcutt said he was conflicted over the proposal to implement a local 1% tax on sales, rooms, meals and alcohol.
“I’m kind of torn, honestly,” Northcutt said. “I don’t like paying extra taxes, but the city and the state don’t have a lot of money … it’s all about a balance.”
Fellow voter Sylvie Vidrine said she doesn’t support the proposed tax.
“I feel like you’re taxing people of all income levels, and percentage-wise, for people who don’t make as much money, it’s not a fair tax,” Vidrine said.
“I think there needs to be more discussion about income tax,” she added. “People that make a higher income need to be taxed at a higher rate.”
Vidrine showed up to vote in person despite receiving a mail-in ballot because she worried it would get lost, she said.
“I like coming here for three reasons. One, I get my sticker, two, I get my doughnut hole, and three, I get the satisfaction of putting the ballot into the ballot box,” she said.
A lifelong Democratic voter, Vidrine said she stayed with the party line in this election because those candidates align with her values, and because they are unaffiliated with the Trump administration.
Longtime Hinesburg resident Kristin Haas said she also chose to vote Democratic.
Haas said she researched the candidates and watched their debates, which informed her decision to vote Democratic down the line.
“I’m glad to have the opportunity to vote today. I think it’s so important to have our voices heard and take a stand,” she continued. “I’m happy to exercise that privilege today.”
According to Hinesburg Town Clerk Heather Roberts, 1,482 people had voted as of 9:04 a.m., including the early ballots processed on Friday.
“It’s a very long day, and it’s a complex process just to make sure that everything runs smoothly the day-of,” Roberts said, “but I have great staff in my office, and great members of the Board of Civil Authority that help us to administer the elections, and I anticipate it going very well today.”
— Kylie DelMaestro and Madeleine Upston
Shelburne: Personal meets political at the polls
An overcast and grey sky greeted voters at the town office on Tuesday morning as they strolled into the building, many wearing brightly colored red or blue sweaters.
Candidates including Deb Mayfield; State Rep. Kate Lalley, D- Chittenden 6; State Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden Southeast; and their supporters held signs and chatted with voters as they entered the building.
State Rep. Shawn Sweeney, D-Chittenden 7, who was running unopposed for reelection, proudly showed off the new tie he bought just for Election Day.
“It’s purpley, which I like,” Sweeney said. “I feel that we need people who are in the middle who can listen to both sides and be a bridge.”
Sweeney, who was running for his second term, will celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary this Monday, Nov. 9. He reflected on the parallels between his political work and personal life.
“The reason I’m married for 30 years is because I can compromise, which is pivotal,” Sweeney said. “I think that’s where the best policy comes from. We need less activism and more politicians who want to do what’s best for the greater good.”
Bud Ockert, a 91-year-old retired U.S. Army veteran, was born and raised in Shelburne. After voting, Ockert was right back to the polls, volunteering for the latter half of Election Day.
“We shed a lot of blood in this country so people can vote,” Ockert said. “They need to vote. It’s a right and a privilege.”
Shelburne resident Chloe Lara-Russack said she believes voting is her civic duty and that it is “incredibly important to have our voices heard, especially in this time.”
One of the big races of the day was for Vermont governor.
Dan Chahine, a Shelburne resident, said he voted for Republican Gov. Phil Scott and expressed doubts regarding Amanda Janoo, the Democrat/Progressive candidate.
“I had voted for [Scott] previously, and I just think a lot of his plans have more financial backing,” Chahine said. “I listened to Janoo, but I just don’t understand where some of her plans and money might come from for like healthcare for all, and things like that.”
On the other side, Shelburne resident Lara Langweiler said she voted for Janoo.
“I align with her platform and policies a lot more,” Langweiler said. “I will say I’m really scared of what’s going to happen with data centers in Vermont, what’s happening with ICE, and I want somebody that I know really is going to fight for the people she’s supporting.”
— Abigail String and Claudia Cacace
Burlington: Ward 1 voters divided on candidates for governor
Despite scattered rain clouds, Burlington’s Ward 1 polling location at Mater Christi School had received over 500 ballots by noon on Election Day.
Sue Alenick, 87, has been overseeing the ballot box as the Ward 1 clerk for the last three decades.
“It’s something I love,” Alenick said. “I believe in the voting process, and I will do it until I’m no longer able to do it.”
Ward 1 residents were divided over the gubernatorial election. Voters expressed support for both Republican incumbent Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic/Progressive challenger Amanda Janoo.
“Gov. Phil Scott has had time to try and make effective change, and clearly it’s not working,” Evan Solnick, a University of Vermont student from Burlington, said.
Burlington resident Reagan Smith said she tries to vote every election, and that Tuesday’s is an important one.
“Phil Scott has had the role for 10 years. Everything I’ve seen from him is trying to obfuscate people’s access to health care and housing,” Smith said.
Julie Halterman has an opposing view.
“I lived here during the pandemic, and I thought that he did a good job managing that time, and I think it’s nice to have some balance since I mostly vote in the other direction,” Halterman said.
Alex Nunes also said that Scott was valuable in the pandemic, but “his time has run out.”
“His recent term hasn’t really been anything of note,” Nunes said. “You can’t kind of half comply with the Trump administration.”
Outside the polling location, all three candidates running for the two seats for the Chittenden-15 district in the Vermont House of Representatives were standing on the grass. Independent Troy Headrick and Progressive/Democrat Brian Cina, incumbents, are challenged by Democrat Ben Bosley.
— Asher VonDoepp, Matt Rice and Emma Rosenthal
Burlington: Sen. Bernie Sanders casts his ballot in the New North End
Shortly after 11 a.m., U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and his wife, Jane, arrived at the Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center to cast their votes. As they entered the polling location hand-in-hand, both wearing blue blazers, Sanders greeted voters and shook their hands.
One voter could be heard saying, “celebrity,” as Sanders walked through the doors to vote. After filling out his ballot, Sanders addressed reporters.
“In my view, this is the most consequential midterm election in the modern history of our country,” he said.
“We are very pleased to support Amanda,” said Sanders, who recently endorsed Democrat/Progressive Amanda Janoo for governor. “I personally like Phil Scott, a very decent guy. But I think, given the very serious problems our state faces, I think it is time for a change.”
Sylvia Knight was seated outside the polling location with a yard sign for Janoo.
“I volunteered to stand with a sign for Amanda Janoo because I am really enthusiastic about her candidacy,” she said.
Knight believes Scott has had a negative influence for some time now: “He has not worked with the people of Vermont. I am not even sure he respects the people of Vermont,” she said.
Sporting a UVM hat, Chris Ridolfo showed up to the polls undecided on the gubernatorial race.
“I don’t know how I am going to vote. I think Phil Scott is going to win so it doesn’t matter where I vote,” Ridolfo said.
Ridolfo thinks Scott will win for two reasons: “He is a good moderate Republican, number one, and he didn’t vote for Trump, number two.”
Dave Hartnett, independent house candidate for Chittenden-18, arrived at the polling location to hold a sign for himself. Hartnett said he will be voting in Ward 4 on Tuesday afternoon.
Hartnett said he is concerned about the homelessness, addiction and mental health crises in Burlington and throughout the state.
“In Vermont, we don’t offer real recovery programs, and we don’t talk about recovery enough,” he said. If elected, he said one of the first bills he would introduce would be related to recovery efforts.
As for the governor’s race, Hartnett is supporting Scott.
“I think he has done a really amazing job over some difficult times in our state,” he said.
— Will Sisler and Lindsay Foxwell
Charlotte: Civic engagement brings voters to the polls
Charlotte residents and officials took time out of their day to vote at Charlotte Town Hall.
Around 11 a.m., Emily Tupper, an election official, was counting a combination of mail-in and ballots as well as ones from Tuesday. She said that 1,754 mail-in ballots were counted before Election Day.
Tupper said she chose her black polka-dot shirt to match the black bubbles used for filling in ballots.
Considering the popularity of advance voting, turnout was strong. Even town officials headed to the polls.
Natalie Kanner, the chair of the Charlotte Selectboard, declined to share who she voted for in this election because she said selectboard members try to stay impartial.
Kanner still emphasized the importance of voting, saying it’s her “civic responsibility.”
Everyday citizens said they came to the polls for similar reasons.
“I voted today because I vote every time I have an opportunity to,” Landa Townsend, who has lived in Charlotte for 23 years, said.
Fellow voter Moe Harvey shared a similar thought. Harvey said he has voted consistently for 70 years and plans on continuing.
“I’m here because I love to vote,” he said.
Michael Krasnow said he was at the polls not just to fulfill his civic duty, but also because he was running as a justice of the peace and working at the polls.
Ruth Uphold, who has lived in Charlotte since 1984, said she voted by mail as soon as she could. Still, she stood outside the polling place with a blue streak in her bangs and a bright yellow sign, showing her support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo.
Uphold said she voted for Gov. Phil Scott in the past and appreciated his leadership through the COVID pandemic but believes it is time for something new.
“The education and medical systems are in shambles,” Uphold said. “They need a change.”
Over in the town hall parking lot, State Rep. Chea Waters, D-Chittenden-5, sat in a lawn chair, wearing a sweater embroidered with the word vote.
Waters is running unopposed for state representative, but is also on the ballot for justice of the peace.
Waters said she came out to connect with voters, and that despite being unopposed, she does not take her support for granted.
“I want to make sure people know their vote is important to me and that I appreciate how engaged people are,” she said.
In the trunk of her car, Waters had a notebook to write down any issues that voters brought to her attention. Waters said that people seem most concerned about affordability and healthcare, including the loss of federal funding for Medicaid.
“Now I have a good list of things I can work on when I get back,” she said.
— Mela Fortunato and Alexander Finkelberg
Cabot: Election workers see high turnout
Jack Daniels and Jean McCallum said education issues motivated them to come out to the polls.
“Once again, it looks like we’re going to have to fight hard to keep our little high school open,“ Daniels said.
“I don’t think Montpelier, the current administration, has listened to small schools or to rural communities,” he said. “It’s time for new thinking.”
McCallum agreed.
“I think the school issues, with the cost of education and the quality of education, are really important,” she said.
Lots of people were coming out to vote, said Cedric Alexander, a justice of the peace who was working at the polls.
“We’ve had a great turnout, but there were an awful lot of ballots mailed prior to today. I think maybe a record,” Alexander said.
Out of 1,443 residents, 427 Cabot voters returned their ballots before Election Day, Cabot Town Clerk Brittany Butler said.
“It’s been very busy,” she said.
Farmer and caregiver Jen Boucher said she was strongly motivated to vote.
“I really want some change instead of the decline we are seeing,” Boucher said.
Another Cabot resident, Dana Glazier, recalled watching his parents vote when he was younger and how that inspires him to vote.
“It’s often the only time I feel like my voice actually gets heard,” Glazier said.
— Molly Hutton and Aurora Freeman
Montpelier: Voters weigh options in governor’s race
Voters made their way to Montpelier City Hall on Tuesday to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, with city officials reporting steady turnout.
Around noon, 3,235 ballots had been cast or received at the state’s capital, according to City Clerk John Odum, who has worked in elections for approximately 15 years.
Odum said about 2,790 ballots had been received through the mail or dropped off, including ballots returned earlier in the day. He estimated that around 2,200 residents would vote in person by the time polls closed.
Inside the polling place, election officials helped ensure ballots were properly processed as Vermonters voted throughout the day. Carrie Brown, a Montpelier city council member and justice of the peace, was among those overseeing the voting process.
“People are so happy that they’re getting to actually do democracy,” Brown said. “It’s so participatory, and it’s such a community feeling.”
For many Montpelier residents, Tuesday’s election was an opportunity to voice their concerns about the political direction of the state and country.
Anne Loecher, a lifelong Democrat, said she voted for Democratic/Progressive gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo. Loecher said she appreciated Gov. Phil Scott’s moderate approach of governing but was interested in Janoo’s economic background and policy ideas.
“I think that Janoo has some really interesting ideas,” she said. “I’m interested that she’s an economist, and she wants to look at things differently.”
Loecher also expressed concern about the Trump administration and its impact on communities across the country, emphasizing the importance of participating in elections.
“This has never been a more critical time to vote,” she said.
Another Montpelier voter, Vicky Mazer, said she had supported Scott in previous elections but decided to vote for Janoo this year.
Mazer said she went back and forth between the two candidates, particularly after watching a debate in which she felt they treated each other respectfully.
Ultimately, a conversation Mazer had with a state legislator influenced her decision. The legislator described Scott as “managing the decline” of Vermont, a comment that stuck with her, Mazer said.
Fellow voter Dan Jones stood outside city hall holding a campaign sign for Janoo. Jones said he started supporting Janoo after getting to know her through her work on economic issues.
He credited Janoo with getting younger Vermonters interested in politics, something he said has impressed him throughout her campaign.
Montpelier resident Sean O’Brien, however, remained supportive of Scott.
O’Brien, who described himself as generally more Democratic leaning, said he voted for Scott because of his record in office.
“I think he’s done a pretty good job,” he said, adding that Scott has helped keep the state relatively steady.
Despite their differing preferences, voters emphasized the importance of taking part in the democratic process.
“It’s our chance to have our voice in the way the country is running,” O’Brien said.
Outside city hall, candidates and supporters greeted residents heading to the polls. Among them was State Sen. Ann Cummings, D-Washington-29. The former Montpelier mayor said she was there to encourage residents to participate in the election.
Cummings pointed to affordability as a major concern this election, noting that an increasing number of Vermonters are struggling to pay for everyday necessities.
Jared Duval, one of two Democratic nominees for Montpelier’s seats in the Vermont House of Representatives, was also outside greeting voters.
Duval said he came to the polls to thank voters for placing their trust in him.
“It’s a big thing to put your trust in somebody to represent you,” he said.
Duval, who lost in the 2022 Democratic primary for a Washington County Senate seat, said that experience helped him connect with residents and reinforced his interest in public service.
“Politics matters because policy matters, and policy matters because people matter,” Duval said.
— Mona Abou
Williston: Voters consider candidates and a library bond
Voters streamed into the polls at the National Guard Armory on Tuesday morning with enthusiasm.
“I’m doing my civic duty,” Anthony Rivers said. “I think it’s really important to do what you can.”
Voters came out to the polls despite the rain.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Dana Sartorelli said.
By 10 a.m., 4,374 ballots were cast, according to Town Clerk Sarah Mason.
Outside the building, six people displayed cardboard signs supporting Rep. Angela Arsenault, D-Williston; Democrat/Progressive gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo; and a local library question.
“I think Phil’s had a good run, but we need a change,” Rivers said “Janoo’s done a lot including with associations I’m involved in like the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance.”
On the other hand, Tony O’Rourke said he supported the incumbent governor.
“I’m voting for the incredible Phil Scott who has represented the state with dignity for nine years,” he said.
This election, Williston residents are voting for the third time on a project to renovate the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Three advocates stood outside the polls rallying individuals to vote yes to fund the library’s renovation.
“Every time a new book comes in, we need to remove one book from the library,” said Faith Leach, a member of Friends of the Library. “We need more space.”
A $14.5 million renovation was initially approved in March during Town Meeting Day, but was soon voted down after a reconsideration vote.
Residents voted Tuesday on a compromise $9 million bond. The money would be used to expand the library, create a new community meeting room, and improve accessibility.
— Natalie Bankmann
Winooski: Mixed opinions on the ballots’s top ticket race
Both young and older residents trickled into the Winooski Senior Center under a gray, drizzling sky. Some voters brought family members and friends, while others came alone.
By noon, the polls were not overwhelmed, but voters continued to arrive steadily.
School board members also gathered by a table below a tent in front of the senior center, collecting voters’ opinions on Act 170, which would merge Winooski with another school district.
Alongside school board member Katie Livermore, Winooski School District Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria asked voters to select which aspects of the merger mattered most to them.
Chavarria said it was meaningful to find people who were “willing to listen,” even when policy change may not directly affect them.
Standing next to the school board members was State Rep. Daisy Berbeco, D, who was on the ballot for a third term.
“[I want] to catch up on issues that people have questions about and also celebrate Election Day,” Berbeco said, adding that she tries to show up to the polls every Election Day to support the voters and the Winooski community.
Another notable figure present at the polls was Harmony Edosomwan, owner of Harmony’s Kitchen catering. Edomsomwan, who won the Miss Black USA competition in August, came to vote wearing her sash and crown.
She said that it’s imperative to vote no matter who you vote for.
“Just go out, do your thing, and exercise your right [to vote],” she said.
While many Winooski residents preferred to keep their voting choices private, Robert Mitchell said that he backed Democrat/Progressive Amanda Janoo for governor. He said that even though they don’t align perfectly, she represents a broader national progressive movement that he supports.
Meanwhile, David Dube said he voted for Republican Gov. Phil Scott, because Scott is as “anti-Trump” as he is.
Madison McGehee said she had a pleasant experience at the polls. She said she voted for Janoo, adding she’s “very excited to see what [Janoo] can do for the Vermont people.”
Fellow voter Madeline Watson also said she picked Janoo because of the candidate’s policies on infrastructure and business. Watson believes Vermont has been losing highly skilled workers due to the housing crisis.
“I came out here to vote for [Janoo] and to hopefully make an impact with my vote,” Watson said.
One of the poll officials present was Elsie Goodrich, who has been a Winooski city councilor for the past year.
Goodrich said that she didn’t know the exact number of ballots cast by midday but that voter turnout was “steady.”
— Anja Ciric and Sabrina Spencer
South Burlington: Residents speak in support of constitutional amendments
With the rain coming down, South Burlington residents came out to the polls to vote in Tuesday’s election.
Chris Shaw, one of the election officials at the City Hall Senior Center and a South Burlington resident since 2000, has been volunteering at the polls since 2008.
This year, the race for governor was at the top of voters’ minds, Shaw suggested.
“The governor’s race is of interest, and seemingly polling-wise, close. I just don’t know how they’re getting polling in this day and age,” said Shaw, citing difficulties in measuring votes before they are cast.
Vermont Rep. Bridget Burkhardt, D-Chittenden 8, and her Republican opponent, Mitchel Cypes, stood outside the doors leading into the polling location, greeting voters and neighbors alike.
At 11:40 a.m, with 7 hours and 20 minutes left to vote, the City Hall Senior Center had a ballot count of 1,662.
Amanda Janoo, the Democrat/Progressive candidate for governor stopped by the polling place. She said casting her ballot earlier that morning in Burlington was a surprisingly emotional experience. Janoo said she supports Proposal 3 and Proposal 4, two proposed constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot. Prop 3 would protect employees’ rights to join a union. Prop 4 would enshrine equal protection clauses into the state constitution.
“My understanding is that we have equal rights in our constitution, but we don’t have explicit equal protections. Looking at our federal administration, it is feeling really important to make that clear,” Janoo said.
At F.H. Tuttle Middle School, a nearby polling place, Janet Uhal came out to vote. She said she voted for Janoo and yes to Props 3 and 4.
“I mean, she has a degree in economics. That’s the biggest issue here in Vermont,” Uhal said of Janoo, also sharing concerns for housing affordability for younger adults moving to the state.
Syliva Sprigg said she also voted for Janoo, but has voted for Gov. Phil Scott in the past because she felt there was no particularly great alternative. This election she felt confident voting for Janoo and criticized Scott for not standing up to President Trump effectively, she said.
Scott “made an effort, but it was not real. Like our secretary of state or attorney general when they were defying orders. I think it’s time for a little bit of a change,” Sprigg said.
Molly Gray, the Democratic candidate for Vermont lieutenant governor and a human rights lawyer, stopped by the polls and spoke in support of Props 3 and 4.
“The positive impacts of our unions and collective bargaining, it’s not a hypothetical; it’s deeply personal,” Gray said.
Multiple South Burlington residents who said they voted for Scott denied requests to be quoted by name in CNS interviews.
— Robert Stark and Scarlett Glazebrook
Barre City: School budget up for fourth vote
Barre citizens showed up at the polls to have their voices heard on issues both local and statewide.
Along with the general election, the Barre Unified Union School District’s budget and approval of a bond for the Central Vermont Career Center were on the ballot Tuesday. These two issues were not on the mail-in or absentee ballots, so many came in person to the polls to vote on the two issues.
Cheryl Metivier, the Barre city clerk, said a wide range of people came to vote, including many who registered on Election Day. Metivier noted the polls have been busy since 7 a.m., with a line waiting out the door.
Sonya Spaulding, who is running for state representative for Barre City, was outside greeting voters.
“I’m just so surprised at how many people there are that are coming out to vote that I’ve never seen before,” she said.
State Rep. Michael Boutin, R, who is running for reelection, was also greeting voters.
“It has been crazy … even during the presidential elections, I feel like today has been busier than that,” Boutin said.
The school budget was an issue at the top of many voters’ minds.
“I want to make sure the school budget passes,” school teacher Krista Dy said. “I know that it would be in a terrible state if they had to do the cut that happens from not passing it so many times.”
Desmond Avallone, a teacher in Barre City, agreed.
“This is our third budget cut, and they’re harming our schools,” she said. “As I have a little one in the school system, I think it’s important that we vote.”
Beverly Blais, a grandparent to three children in the Barre school system, said she couldn’t support the school budget because it allocates “too much money” to schools with decreasing enrollment.
The governor’s race was also important for many voters.
Jordan Stamper, a teacher, said she voted for Democrat/Progressive Amanda Janoo.
“In other cities, progressives are making strides and disrupting the status quo, and I think we need more of that,” Stamper said.
Wilson Knight, manager of Capital Cannabis Company, said he also voted for Janoo, in part because he’s concerned about how incumbent Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, would manage the state’s “small, local and deeply rooted” cannabis industry. He said Scott wants to open up the industry to interstate commerce, which “would be very damaging to what we’ve built here for the last four years.”
Voter Logan Copeland, however, chose Scott.
“I feel like he’s done good over the last couple years. I don’t feel that anybody else on the ballot is going to do as good of a job as he is,” Copeland said.
Dy, the teacher, also said she voted for Scott.
“I think he’s done a great job, and he’s really moderate for what I’m looking for, and I appreciate who he is as the governor,” she said.
Overall, voters said they felt it was important to get their voices heard.
“It’s what makes living here great, because we get to have our voices count in everything,” Dy said.
Avallone added: “Voting together as a whole in the community and trying to agree on things influences younger generations,” she said.
— Andrei Aprea and Zach Yang