State Legislator

House of Representatives

In order to run for State Representative you must have been a resident of the state for two years. You must live in the district you are representing and have been there at least one year (Vermont Constitution - Article 15).

In order to get your name on the Primary Election ballot you must collect the signatures of 50 voters in your district. The forms for collecting signatures are available from the Town Clerk or online at the Vermont Secretary of State's website. Because there are two Representatives from the two Colchester districts (CHI-9-1 and CHI-9-2) the Primary election will deteremine which two candidates from eachparty will be listed on the General Election Ballot (two Democrats and two Republicans).

What a Representative Does

Representatives meet at the Capitol in Montpelier four roughly the first five months of the year. Formally,that is a Tuesday to Friday commitment. However, much of a legislator's work is conducted outside these days and the normal working hours. Many legislators reside in Montpelier when in session and/or stay over several nights a week. While the legislature is in session much of a legislator's time is spent in committee. 

Aside from the work of crafting legislation a legislator also does 'constituent work'. This can be answering questions regarding regulations, taxes or health care, or listing to complaints, suggestions and encouragement.