Vermont voters head to the polls after 131,000 early ballots were returned as of Oct. 28, with the governor’s race razor close.

Phil Scott, America’s most popular governor, trails Democrat Amanda Janoo in the final UNH poll of deep-blue Vermont.

A potluck and a debate. That’s how Kirby, a small town in the Northeast Kingdom, got ready for Election Day. Kirby has 575 residents, according to the 2020 census. Dozens of them gathered Oct. 15 at the Kirby Town Hall to eat meatballs and casseroles and to hear from all five candidates vying for two seats in the Vermont House from the Caledonia-Essex district.

Amanda Janoo, the Democrat challenging Gov. Phil Scott, talks about living in Burlington and her plans for housing and stronger state support if elected.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott also said his administration would “do whatever we have to do” to prevent federal officials from exerting undue influence over the voting process.

Prepare for Vermont’s Nov. 3 general election with VTDigger’s 2026 Election Guide. Get the latest reporting from towns across Vermont delivered each morning in Daily Digger, our free newsletter. The second meeting of Vermont’s new Journalism Club will focus on how local and state reporters covered the 2026 elections.

Democrats could gain control of multiple New England state legislatures and governorships, potentially turning the region into a near one-party stronghold.

Gov. Phil Scott may be facing a close electoral contest, but his four living predecessors — Madeleine Kunin, Howard Dean, Jim Douglas and Peter Shumlin — each had their own down-to-the-wire votes.