For voters in the Chittenden Central Senate District, the August primary election is the election that matters most.
In legislative districts like ours where the general election is often uncontested, the primary is the only time voters have a choice between candidates. In Burlington, the decisions made in August will determine who will represent us in Montpelier for the next two years. While the November general election is important, in Burlington, the primary election is the election with choice.
Many of us grew up learning that the general election was the truly critical time to show up to vote, and we learned that primaries were less significant. This is simply not true in many of Burlington’s legislative districts, and when turnout is low, a small number of votes can have a significant impact on the outcome. In 2024, the voter turnout for the primary in the Chittenden Central District was only 14.87%. And yet, that was the race that determined who would serve in the Vermont Senate.
August primaries come at a difficult time when people are on vacation or simply enjoying Vermont’s beautiful, fleeting summer. Fortunately, here in Vermont, voting is easy and accessible, and registered voters can request absentee ballots online through the Secretary of State’s voter dashboard. Requests can be made at https://vote.vermont.gov/public/dashboard.
Participating in a primary election is the most direct way to influence who is ultimately elected. Whether you are a longtime voter or someone who has never participated in a primary before, your vote can ensure that elected officials reflect the priorities of their community.
The strongest democracy is one in which people participate. Make a plan to vote in the primary on August 11th and make your voice heard!