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Vermonters share their thoughts on local elections
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Vermonters share their thoughts on local elections

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Now we all know who’s running for president – but what about your local candidates?

It won’t be long before people flock to Orchard School in South Burlington to vote. While some are eager to fill all the bubbles, others have their eyes focused solely on the presidential race.

All of the voters we spoke to knew of incumbent Gov. Phil Scott, but many had not heard of his Democratic opponent, Esther Charlestin.

Other races that could flip a supermajority, such as Lieutenant Governor and State Senate, have also been sidelined.

Still, some Vermonters show up at every race, including local ones.

“I’ve lived in Winooski for four years and I have no idea who’s on the ballot,” said Ericka Grigg of Winooski.

“I think our governor is doing a good job and running again, and I don’t know that much about the local,” said Betty Jean Bogue of Shelburne.

“It’s very important that people spend an equal amount of time educating themselves about local issues,” said Pallas Ziporyn of South Burlington.

Some of the top local concerns include property tax increases, health care costs and flood resilience.

You can learn more about your ballot using the new option. Vermont Voter Guide This breaks down each candidate and their top concerns.

Many political analysts believe four-time incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott will seek another term in office, while incumbent Democratic Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman may be about to leave.

An expert at Middlebury College suggests that Zuckerman’s Scott-backed opponent, John Rodgers, could don the governor’s coat for a new seat in the statehouse.

“He makes the same arguments that Phil Scott makes about affordability in Vermont, which suggests that maybe he can tap into the Phil Scott magic,” said Bert Johnson of Middlebury.

Experts also have their eye on 30 state Senate seats up for grabs.

To maintain their supermajority, Democrats need to win their reelection bid for 20 seats.

If Republicans win more than one seat, they can continue Governor Scott’s vetoes; Democrats have historically been able to override most of these vetoes.

Most polling places in the state Opens at 7 a.m. and all polling stations close at 7 p.m.