Vermont Midterm Turnout Reaches 61% Amid Statewide Races

Vermont voter participation reached 61% in Tuesday's midterm election, a figure that surpassed the historical average for non-presidential years. The state recorded 310,938 ballots cast out of 506,451 registered voters. This increase in turnout followed a period of lower participation, with the average for the last five midterm years standing at 55%. The 2022 election saw a slightly higher rate of 58%.

Competitive challenges for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor contributed to the elevated numbers. National interest in the balance of congressional power also played a role in drawing voters to the polls. The turnout rate varied considerably across the state's towns. Victory and Andover reported the highest participation rates at 82% and 81%, respectively. At the lower end of the spectrum, Lunenburg and Newport City saw participation rates of 38% and 39%.

In Burlington, the state's largest city, voter turnout landed at 59%. This figure fell below the statewide average of 61%. The election results displayed a distinct pattern of ticket-splitting. In the gubernatorial race, Republican Gov. Phil Scott retained his lead but by a narrower margin than in previous cycles. Scott won by seven points, a significant decrease from his 50-point victory in 2024.

Gov. Scott maintained support in roughly 200 communities. His challenger, Democrat Amanda Janoo, flipped approximately 50 towns and cities. These communities included major population centers such as Burlington, South Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro. While Scott won the majority of towns, his margin of victory in those areas was smaller compared to the 2024 election results.

The lieutenant governor's race produced a different outcome. Democrat Molly Gray defeated John Rodgers by 25 points. Gray secured the majority in about three-quarters of Vermont's communities. This success spanned both large cities and small towns. John Rodgers won the majority of his victories in traditionally conservative areas, specifically along the northern border and in the Northeast Kingdom.

The election map featured numerous purple towns where voters split their tickets. Many residents in these areas voted for Republican Phil Scott for governor while supporting Democrat Molly Gray for lieutenant governor. This behavior reflects a common voting pattern in Vermont, where constituents often choose candidates from different parties for separate offices within the same election cycle.