FAIRFAX, Vt. (WCAX) – The finish line is in sight for candidates in election 2024. The final hours of the campaign come as almost 200,000 Vermonters have already cast their ballots.
The presidential race is dominating the conversation in communities across Vermont. But there are a number of battleground races here in Vermont that could determine the balance of power in Montpelier.
In the final hours of campaign 2024, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, who is seeking a fifth term in office, hit the road to make a final pitch for candidates in House and Senate races in every county in an attempt to break up the Democratic supermajority.
“There is a lot of apprehension out there, specifically due to the national elections and how close it is. But we have some close races here, as well,” said Scott, R-Vermont.
He campaigned with former Democratic senator-turned-Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Rodgers, stressing a message of fiscal restraint in Montpelier.
“This is the start of a change really, we are hoping that this is the start of a movement for more balance in Montpelier. Nothing else matters if we can’t afford to live here,” Rodgers said.
Democrats also spent the final hours of the campaign knocking on doors and making strategic phone calls in an effort to maximize turnout to protect their political strength under the golden dome in Montpelier.
“When you actually talk to people at the doors they want to hear what are you going do about the future of public education and some of the public safety concerns,” said Rep. Mike McCarthy, a Democrat for the Vermont House.
Political observers are tracking contested races in state Senate districts in Caledonia, Grand Isle, Chittenden North, Orange and Orleans counties.
But the presidential election is taking center stage. Vermont’s three electoral votes are expected to go to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I feel like this is the right person at this time to lead us to a better place. I really believe that and I think she’s going to prevail,” said Rep. Becca Balint, Democrat for U.S. House.
High-profile politicians and party faithful spent the weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania, knocking on doors for Harris.
“The only folks we saw the entire weekend doing that were the Harris-Walz campaign, so I think they’re feeling good about their field campaign. And in a close race, that can make all the difference,” said Mike Pieciak, Democrat for Vt. Treasurer.
It’s a high-stakes election at the national and local levels with big implications for your family, your finances and your community.
“My advice to Vermonters is go vote. You’ve got to get out there. Don’t sit this one out,” Scott said.
Monday was the cutoff for early voting or putting your ballot in a dropbox. If you didn’t get to it, you must now bring your ballot to the polls on Tuesday.