The 2026 elections are coming up. Please read this update from Dylan Giambatista, the Chair of the Essex Junction Board of Civil Authority.
Longer days and warmer weather are here, and with them, it’s nearing the time when Vermonters will cast their ballots. Essex Junction’s elections officials work hard to make sure you can participate in our local, state, and federal elections. It’s never too early to make your plan to vote – here are some key dates and details so you can be part of the process.
The first election of the season is coming up in early spring. On Tuesday, April 14, polls will be open so Essex Junction voters can weigh in on municipal and school district matters. There are items on both Essex Junction’s and the Essex Westford School District’s ballots. You have the option to request to vote early by mail. To do so, contact the City Clerk. As a reminder, we recommend leaving ample time for transit if you plan to use USPS service to return your completed ballots. A secure drop box is located outside of City Offices at 2 Lincoln Street if you want to return them by hand.
Vermont’s second election of 2026 will be held on Tuesday, Aug 11. This is the statewide Primary Election by which voters choose major party candidates for the General Election in the fall. Here again, you have the option to request a ballot to vote early by mail. When you vote in the Primary Election, you are given several ballots – one for each of the state’s major parties. There’s no party registration in Vermont. This means Primary voters select the single-party ballot they wish to complete and can only participate in that political party’s Primary. The results of the Primary Election determine the legislative and statewide candidates that will appear on November’s ballot.
The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. The 2026 ballot will list local and statewide state and federal officeholders ranging from members of Vermont’s General Assembly up to our at-large member of Congress. This year, all registered voters will be sent ballots by mail to participate in the November election. You do not need to take action to initiate a request. If you choose to vote early, you can return the completed ballot to the Clerk’s Office using the methods described above. You also have the option to bring it to the polls to have it processed on Election Day.
As a reminder, you need to be registered to vote to cast ballots in our elections. If you’re not registered, have moved, or want to confirm your registration status, you can inquire at our City Clerk’s Office or check online by visiting vote.vermont.gov. Vermont law permits registration on-site at the polling place on election days. In Essex Junction, local election officials will be on hand to help you through the process if you need to register.
If you want to cast your ballot in person on election days, our polling place is located at the Champlain Valley Exposition and will be open from 7 am – 7 pm. You can reach the polls by entering through the main entrance on Pearl Street, just across from the car wash. Signs will route you to the polling site. If you vote early, ballots can either be returned by mail, at City Offices, or hand delivered to the polling place on the election day.
Whether it be voting in our local government and school elections, in Vermont’s Primary, and/or in November’s General Election, you have the chance to make your voice heard. Your local elections officials work hard to facilitate the process. Our City Clerk and Justices of the Peace are trained to support the needs of community members along the way. We look forward to seeing folks at the polls as Vermont’s elections take place this year. If you have any questions, you can get in touch with the Clerk’s Office by dialing (802) 878-6944 Option 7, or by emailing clerks@essexjunction.org. Thank you for being an active community member!