Primary Elections in Connecticut, Vermont, and Alabama: What to Know

The U.S. midterm primary season continues as voters in several states cast ballots to select Republican and Democratic candidates for the November election. On Aug. 12, voters in Connecticut and Vermont will choose their nominees for Congress and governor. Meanwhile, voters in four congressional districts in Alabama participate in special primaries under a new map that eliminates one of two Black-majority districts.

Connecticut

Polling hours in Connecticut vary by town, with the earliest opening at 6 a.m. (10 a.m. GMT, 5 p.m. Hanoi time). Polls close no earlier than 8 p.m. Tuesday (1 a.m. GMT, 8 a.m. Hanoi time). Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is allowed to cast a ballot.

The governor's race is the main focus. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont is seeking a third term, facing a challenge from State Representative Josh Elliott. Elliott, a progressive lawmaker from Hamden, argues that Lamont's administration is too moderate and friendly to the wealthy. He is campaigning on pledges to raise taxes on Connecticut's richest residents, boost investment in public services, and tackle the cost of living.

Connecticut has no term limits for governor, so Lamont is eligible for a third term. Recent polls show Lamont leading Elliott by a significant margin, buoyed by high approval ratings and voter satisfaction with the state's finances. The Democratic primary winner will face Republican State Senator Ryan Fazio in November.

This year, Connecticut is seeing an unusually competitive Democratic primary season, with 13 contested primaries statewide. Incumbent Democratic lawmakers are facing challenges from more progressive candidates, mirroring trends in many other states.

Vermont

In Vermont, polls open from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Eastern Time), depending on the town, and close at 7 p.m. (11 p.m. GMT).

The governor's race is also noteworthy. Two Republican candidates, Mark Coester and Gerald Malloy, are competing for the right to challenge incumbent Democratic Representative Becca Balint for Vermont's sole House seat. Voters will also decide Democratic primaries for lieutenant governor and state auditor.

Democrats are seeking a candidate who can defeat Republican Governor Phil Scott. Two Democrats are vying to challenge Scott: economist Amanda Janoo and former nonprofit executive Aly Richards, who has the backing of two former Democratic governors, Howard Dean and Madeleine Kunin.

In Vermont, the governor, lieutenant governor, and other constitutional officers serve two-year terms. If Scott wins reelection and completes another term, he will become the longest-serving governor in Vermont history.

Alabama

Polls in Alabama open at 7 a.m. (Central Time, 12 p.m. GMT) and close at 7 p.m. (12 a.m. GMT). Voters in congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 will cast ballots in Tuesday's special primary.

These special elections are being held after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May, allowing Alabama to use an electoral map that was rejected in 2023 for diminishing the power of Black voters. Following the ruling, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced special primaries in four districts to implement the new map, which takes effect in January.

In District 2, incumbent Democratic Representative Shomari Figures is running for reelection. This district strongly supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, but with the new boundaries, the outcome could change. Six Republican candidates are competing to face Figures in November, including state Representative Rhett Marques, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, former military serviceman Joshua McKee, and real estate broker Hampton Harris.

In District 7, where Black voters remain in the majority, Democratic Representative Terri Sewell is running for a ninth term. Two Republican candidates, Ammie Akin and David Perry, are vying for the right to challenge Sewell.