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Vermont Primary and Delegate Rules

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Vermont primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.

Quick Answer​

  • Primary types: Democratic presidential: Open; Democratic state: Open; Republican presidential: Open; Republican state: Open.
  • Consolidated presidential and state primaries: No.
  • Democratic delegates: 24 total, 16 pledged, 8 unpledged, 2 alternates.
  • Republican delegates: 17 total, 17 pledged, 0 unpledged, 14 alternates.

Vermont Primary Election Types​

Primary election types by party and contest
PartyContestPrimary type
DemocraticPresidentialOpen
DemocraticStateOpen
RepublicanPresidentialOpen
RepublicanStateOpen

Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling​

Consolidated Primaries: No

Vermont is one of the states that have not merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primary and State primary are scheduled to run on different days

Vermont has nonpartisan registration. There is no option to affiliate with a political party on the voter registration form. Voters do not declare affiliation with a party in order to vote in primary elections, however they must choose one party's ballot. All registered voters can vote in the primary election—but can only vote on one ballot. A person voting at the primary shall not be required to indicate his or her party choice to any election official.

Vermont Presidential Delegate Allocation​

The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election. Candidates Ballot access rules vary depending on the candidate’s political party.

Vermont presidential delegate counts
PartyTotal delegate votesPledgedUnpledgedAlternatesAllocation methodThreshold
Democratic Party241682Proportional15% minimum vote required
Republican Party1717014Winner-Take-MostAt least 20% of the statewide vote

Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process​

Democratic Party's Delegates Allocation​

The Democratic party will send a total of 24 Delegate Votes (16 Pledged, 38unpledged) and 2 Alternate delegates to the Democratic National Convention. The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 11
  • At-large Delegates: 3
  • Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 2
  • Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 8
  • Alternate Delegates: 2

Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown​

  • DNC Members: 4
  • Dem. Members of Congress: 3
  • Dem. Governors: 0
  • Distinguished Party Leaders: 1

Republican Party Primary Delegates Process​

Republican Party's Delegates Allocation​

The Republican party will send a total of 17 Delegate Votes (3 district-level, 11 at-large, 3 RNC) and 14 Alternate delegates to the Republican National Convention. All 17 of Vermont's delegates to the Republican National Convention are bound to presidential contenders in today's Presidential Primary. If one candidate receives 50% or more of the statewide vote, that candidate receives all 17 delegates. Otherwise, the statewide delegates are proportionally bound to those candidates receiving at least 20% of the statewide vote.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 3
  • At-large Delegates: 11
  • RNC Delegates: 3
  • Alternate Delegates: 14

About These Rules​

This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.

Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.

The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: