Vermont Votes Early, Bills Shift | Burlington News

Burlington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 7, 2026 · 1m

Early voting is off to a strong start with 3% of Vermonters already casting ballots—Shelburne, Calais, and Barre Town leading the way. Senator Peter Welch blocked a Farm Bill he says ignores small farmers and rural needs, signaling a shift from bipartisan norms. The DMV’s enforcement unit is now officially called the Vermont Highway Patrol, reflecting its century-old roots in commercial safety. Nationally, Sanders, Welch, Ocasio-Cortez, and Balint are pushing a public housing bill tied to climate goals and union jobs. And Vermont joins 43 states in a landmark settlement with Sandoz Inc…