Staying informed for a vibrant democracy
 This fall Vermont faces an historic election. We will elect a new US Senator for the first time in nearly than two decades, a new representative to the US Congress for the first time in more than 15 years, and will elect many new representatives to the state legislature. VPIRG believes that democracy is a tool that works best when used by many and wants Vermont voters to be as informed as possible about key public interest issues.
This space is intended as a resource for our members to understand the important issues facing candidates and voters alike this election season. Get to know who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues.
NEW! See who signed VPIRG's Voters First pledge by clicking here!
We're asking all candidates to put voters before special interest donors by signing the Voters First Pledge. We particularly think Martha Rainville, with all her talk about taking on the scandals, corruption, and lobbyists in Washington, ought to be asked to walk the walk by sign. Join us in urging her to do so today by clicking here.
NEW! See who signed VPIRG's Clean Energy Pledge by clicking here!
VPIRG asked all 329 candidates for office in Vermont to sign a pledge that they will work to create a clean, safe and affordable energy future. Click here to see the list of who signed, who didn't and why.
Tools for an informed voter:
NEW!
Voters First Pledge
As part of a nonpartisan coalition, VPIRG is supporting the Voters First Pledge to put voters before lobbyists and donors in Washington, DC. Our pledge calls for clean elections-style public financing, lobbying and ethics reform, and more disclosure about how lobbyists raise money for campaigns. We're calling on all Vermont candidates to sign.
VPIRG's Clean Energy Pledge
We CAN have a clean, safe and affordable energy supply. But we need our leaders to act now in order protect Vermont’s environment and consumers.
VPIRG is asking all candidates for office to sign a clean energy pledge to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, invest in efficiency and build a clean energy economy.
Look up your current legislators
Click on your town to find our who currently represents your town in the Vermont House and Senate.
Look up your candidates
List from the Secretary of State's office includes candidates for VT house, Senate, Governor and other races
VPIRG's 2006 VT Legislative scorecard
Scores incumbent legislators on key public interest votes from the 2005-2006 Biennium
VPIRG's 2006 Federal Congressional Scorecard
Scores Senators Leahy and Jeffords, and Congressman Sanders on public interest votes at the federal level.
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Top Issues this Election
Energy and Global Warming
Global warming is real, it is already impacting our lives, and most important, it can be solved. Find out what our leaders at the local, state and federal level should do to avert this global crisis.
Health Care
Health care is unaffordable for more than 1 in 4 Vermonters, and getting more expensive every day. But we can solve Vermont, and the nation's health care crisis by covering everyone fairly and sharing the cost equally. Find out how.
Democracy
VPIRG s working to make all elections more open and fair by making it easier to vote, pushing for new election systems that give voters more choices and working to get big money out of politics.
Toxics and Human Health
Vermont has a well-deserved reputation as a clean and beautiful state. But toxic chemicals continue to invade our daily lives through dozens of consumer products like carpets, toys and furniture. Find out more about these hidden hazards and how to get toxics out of our lives. |
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 See who signed VPIRG's Clean Energy Pledge
 See which candidates really support clean elections by signing Voters First Pledge
Look up your current legislators
Look up your candidates
VPIRG's 2006 VT Legislative scorecard
VPIRG's 2006 Federal Congressional Scorecard
VPIRG's 2003-2004 legislative scorecard
VPIRG's 2004 questionnaire for Gubernatorial and Lt Gubernatorial candidates (includes responses from Gov Douglas and Lt. Gov. Dubie)
Other organizations that produce scorecards and voter guides
Vermont Alliance Of Conservation Voters: A key VPIRG ally in the fight to protect Vermont's environment.
Vermont NEA : One of the state's largest labor unions and a member of the Health Care Affordability Coalition with VPIRG.
AARP: A member of the Health Care Affordability Coalition with VPIRG.
The Vermont Sierra Club: One of the nation's oldest environmental groups.
Public Citizen: A national ally in the fight for clean elections. |
