In case you’ve missed it, the United States will be electing a new president in November 2024. Every four years, this election draws massive media attention, and it also has higher voter turnout than midterm elections. November’s election is a general election, which means the field of candidates has already been narrowed down by the primary election. Primary elections often yield even lower voter turnout than midterm general elections. Consider these numbers from the States United Democracy Center on Voter Turnout in Vermont:1  

This data suggests that voters in Vermont consider primary elections to have lower stakes than general elections. This could be because many candidates go unchallenged in their primary. However, primary elections are just as important as the generals, especially for local races. The low voter turnout means that fewer voters are determining our choices in the general election. Many of the key decisions that influence the cost of housing, taxes, and business transactions are made here in Vermont, so it is essential for voters to get involved and make educated decisions about their vote, even in Primary Elections! 

Vermont’s primary election is August 13, 2024, and there are many “down-ballot” races that carry significance for the future of Vermont. Vermonters are already casting their ballots in these races, and NVRA encourages its members to participate! Many local organizations have put together resources to help voters make their decisions, like the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, Seven Days, and VT Digger.  

You can use the VT Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page” to check your voter registration status, ballot status, and see samples of the primary ballots for this year’s races. This is an incredible resource available to voters.  

Be sure to cast your ballot in Vermont’s primary elections on or before August 13, 2024!