While Election Day tends to get the most attention, many of the decisions that most directly affect Vermonters — including school spending, property taxes, and local governance — are made well before any ballots are cast.
In fact, that process is already underway.
Across Vermont, school boards are currently meeting and beginning work on proposed budgets for the next school year. These early meetings, which typically take place in late fall and early winter, are where spending priorities are debated, draft numbers are developed, and major cost decisions are shaped before a final budget is presented to voters.
For residents who want to understand how school budgets are built — or offer input before plans are finalized — school board meetings during this period are often the most meaningful point of public engagement, well ahead of Town Meeting Day or any formal vote.
Meeting times and agendas are generally posted on school district websites, published in local newspapers, and available through town offices or town clerk postings.
With 2026 shaping up as both a local election year and a federal midterm election year, Vermonters may want to pay attention not only to election dates, but also to the months-long process that leads up to them. What follows is a practical overview of when to watch for school budget discussions, town election notices, local voting, and statewide and federal elections in the year ahead.
Late January to Early February: Town and School Warnings Are Posted
For most towns and school districts, the next major milestone arrives in late January and early February, when official warnings are posted.
A warning is the formal notice listing everything that will appear on a Town Meeting or Australian ballot. These warnings typically include:
- Proposed school budgets
- Municipal budgets
- Local ballot articles
- School board, selectboard, and other local offices up for election
State law requires warnings to be posted 30 to 40 days before Town Meeting Day, which places them squarely in the last week of January through the first week of February for most communities.
This is the point when voters can first see final proposed budget figures, ballot language, and tax-related implications — after months of school board and municipal planning.
February: Budget Information and Local Election Preparation
Once warnings are posted, February becomes a key information month.
School districts commonly hold informational meetings or hearings during this time to explain proposed budgets and answer questions. These meetings may be hosted by school boards, held jointly with towns, or offered as standalone budget presentations.
Candidate filings for local offices are finalized, ballots are prepared, and town reports are completed. While most budget decisions have already been drafted by this stage, February is when voters can review the details before voting.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Town Meeting Day
Town Meeting Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, March 3, the first Tuesday in March, as established by Vermont law.
On or around this date, Vermonters will vote on:
- School budgets
- Town budgets
- Local ballot articles
- School board, selectboard, and other municipal offices
Some towns continue to hold traditional in-person floor meetings, while others vote entirely by Australian ballot. A small number of communities may schedule meetings on different dates, but March 3 remains the standard statewide reference point.
If a school budget does not pass on Town Meeting Day, districts may schedule revote elections later in March or April, depending on local circumstances.
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Spring and Early Summer: Local Decisions Set, Federal Races Begin
After Town Meeting Day and any required revotes, Vermont typically enters a quieter local election period through the spring.
At the same time, campaigning for federal offices gradually increases, as 2026 is a midterm election year. Vermont’s single seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with other offices depending on the cycle.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Primary Election Day
Vermont’s statewide primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Primary elections determine party nominees for:
- U.S. House
- State offices
- Certain county and local positions
While turnout is typically lower than in November, primary results shape the general election ballot and often determine which candidates advance.
Late September to Early October: Mail-In Ballots Are Sent
Vermont automatically mails general election ballots to all active registered voters.
For the November 2026 election, ballots are required to be mailed by October 1, 2026, meaning most voters will receive them in late September or early October.
This marks the start of Vermont’s early voting period, both by mail and in person at town clerk offices.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: General Election Day
The 2026 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Voters will cast ballots for:
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Statewide and legislative offices as applicable
- Any local or regional ballot questions scheduled for November
Mail-in ballots must be received by town clerks by Election Day to be counted.
Paying Attention Earlier in the Process
While national elections draw the most attention, many of the most immediate impacts on Vermonters — particularly school spending and local taxes — are decided earlier in the year, often with less public awareness.
Residents interested in following or participating in those decisions may want to watch for school board meeting notices now, review posted warnings in late January, and plan ahead for Town Meeting Day in early March, followed by the midterm election cycle later in the year.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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