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Your Voice in Middlesex
Voting is our clearest civic duty. Yet in the United States, fewer than 50% of those eligible vote in general elections. Here in Vermont, participation rates are somewhat higher, but the fact remains: thousands of eligible Vermont voters let someone else decide who will govern them. Your opinion is important, and your participation is needed. Vote and make your voice count.
This section of the website will help you understand the voting process in Middlesex and Vermont. Click on the links above for more information.
State and Federal Representatives
State Representatives
Every two years, Middlesex and East Montpelier voters elect one State Representative for the Washington-7 legislative district and join with the other towns in Washington County to elect three State Senators. These are your representatives in Vermont’s legislature, formally known as the General Assembly. Middlesex’s Vermont State Senators and State Representative are listed on the Contacts page. (See Contacts)
The General Assembly meets at the State House in Montpelier, usually from early January through mid-May (sometimes later). It enacts and amends State laws and, each year, must appropriate funds for the operations of State programs. Vermont’s legislative session is biennial, which means that it extends over two years; the first half takes place during an odd-numbered year, and the second half takes place the following year. A budget must be passed every year.
Unlike many states in which being a legislator is a full-time job, Vermont still has a “citizen legislature,” people who have other occupations during the rest of the year. To contact your legislators. (See Contacts)
In addition to dealing with legislative issues, legislators can sometimes help you in dealing with State agencies. All legislators do “case work” for their constituents, and they can be powerful allies in problem-solving!
The Vermont Legislative Home Page is at: www.leg.state.vt.us Information you’ll find at this site: scheduled committee meetings; bills, calendars, and journals; the legislative bill tracking system; text of bills and other legislative documents; minutes of selected committee meetings.
Federal Representatives
Vermont has two U.S. Senators and one Representative to Congress. These leaders want to hear your views, and also can offer valuable help in problem-solving. (See Contacts)
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