Voter guide to Vermont’s 2026 general election

Vermont will hold a general election in 2026. Voters can prepare by confirming the key dates, reviewing their registration, finding their ballot and making a plan for how and when to vote.

Start with the key dates

Confirm the date of the 2026 general election before making a voting plan. Also check whether separate deadlines apply to registration, requesting a ballot, returning a ballot or completing any other step you intend to use.

Write down each deadline that applies to you. Do not treat the election date as the deadline for every part of the process. If you plan to complete a step before Election Day, confirm both the date and any applicable time cutoff.

Check the dates again as the election approaches. Use instructions from Vermont election officials, and make sure the information is for the 2026 general election rather than another election year or contest.

Check your voter registration

Review your voter registration before you plan to cast a ballot. Confirm that your name and current residential address are recorded correctly. If you have moved, changed your name or are unsure of your status, ask election officials what action is required and when it must be completed.

When asking about registration, be specific: say that you are preparing for Vermont’s 2026 general election. Ask what information or identification, if any, you will need to register, update your record or vote.

Keep a record of any registration action you take. If you submit a form or update, follow the official instructions for checking that the change was accepted.

Find out what is on your ballot

Review the ballot associated with your voting address before voting. Read the names of every office, candidate and ballot question shown. Follow the instructions printed with the ballot, including any directions about how many choices may be selected in each contest.

For candidate contests, compare the candidates using the same standards. Look for their stated positions, experience and priorities. Separate a candidate’s own statements from claims made by campaigns, organizations or other people.

For any ballot question, read the wording carefully. Identify what a “yes” or “no” vote would do before marking a choice. If explanatory material is issued by election officials, read it alongside the ballot language.

A sample ballot can also help you prepare questions in advance. Use the final official ballot when voting and follow all instructions that accompany it.

Make a voting plan

Choose the voting method you intend to use and confirm that it is available to you. Ask election officials for the applicable instructions, deadlines and location information. If your plan depends on mailing or returning a ballot, check the required return procedure and when the completed ballot must be received.

If you intend to vote at a polling place, confirm the correct location and voting hours before leaving. Plan how you will get there and allow time to complete any required check-in steps.

Before submitting a ballot, review it for skipped contests or unintended marks. You may choose to leave a contest blank, but make sure that is your decision rather than an oversight. If you make a mistake or have trouble following the instructions, ask an election official for help before submitting the ballot.

Keep official contact information available in case your registration, ballot or voting plan requires attention. Recheck the election date, deadlines and instructions close to the time you vote.