Non-profit seeking government transparency and accountability releases Chittenden County public safety poll.
Vermont Business Magazine Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (CFV) today released the results of a sweeping public safety poll of 512 likely Chittenden County voters. The survey sheds light on how Vermonters from across the political spectrum feel about the state of public safety in their communities. The findings reveal a county that feels markedly less safe and is demanding stronger accountability from its leaders.
"Public safety is not a partisan issue, it is a quality-of-life issue that touches many families," said Ben Kinsley, CFV Executive Director, "we believe that Vermonters deserve to have their voices heard by their public officials, and policymakers need honest, data-driven insight into what Vermonters are experiencing. The results here paint a clear picture."
Vermonters Trust Law Enforcement but Say Crime Is Getting Worse
The poll's opening questions reveal the depth of public concern:
- 79% of voters view local law enforcement favorably, including 72% of Democrats, suggesting that dissatisfaction is directed at policy and leadership, not the officers on the ground.
- However, 68% of likely voters say they would feel unsafe walking alone in downtown Burlington at night. This finding cuts across party lines; 58% of Democrats, 87% of Republicans, and 72% of Independents report feeling somewhat or very unsafe.
- And, 79% of likely voters say the crime situation in Chittenden County has gotten worse over the last ten years. This includes 66% of Democrats, 99% of Republicans, and 87% of Independents — a remarkable cross-partisan consensus.
- Drug-related crimes identified as the most urgent public safety issue (42%), followed by homelessness (24%) and violent crimes (16%).
Voters Want Accountability
Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George is well-known to voters (72% say they are familiar with her) but that familiarity has not translated into support. When asked which approach they prefer from their county's top prosecutor, the answer was emphatic:
- Voters say George bears the primary responsibility for the current state of public safety and crime in Chittenden County. 31% of respondents found George to be responsible for the perceived decline in public safety, more than any other official, including the Burlington Mayor (15%), other local officials (12%), or law enforcement agencies (12%).
- 51% of likely voters disapprove of George's job performance, including 37% who strongly disapprove. Only 25% approve.
- Among Democrats, George maintains a narrow positive approval rating (37% approve / 33% disapprove), but she is deeply underwater with Independents and Republicans.
- 69% of likely voters want prosecutors to prosecute crimes and hold offenders accountable, compared to 31% who prefer a focus on prosecutorial discretion and addressing root causes. Even among Democrats, 53% favor prosecution and accountability.
Head-to-Head: Primary and General Election Outcomes Split
Despite low name recognition (69% of voters are unfamiliar with him), challenger Bram Kranichfeld holds a lead over George in a general election matchup for Chittenden County State's Attorney:
- Kranichfeld leads George by 15 points among all likely voters (35% to 20%), with 45% undecided.
- Among Democrats, George leads by 15 points. This poses a challenge for Kranichfeld with the Democratic primary election being held in August, even though he would be well-positioned for the November general election.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Campaign for Vermont emphasizes that this poll is part of its broader mission to foster data-driven public discourse and hold government accountable to the people it serves.
"These results are not about one race, they are about the lived-experience of Chittenden County residents and Vermonters more broadly," said Kinsley. "When more than two-thirds of voters don't feel safe walking in their own downtown at night, and nearly 8 in 10 say crime has gotten worse, that is a call to action for every elected official. Vermonters are telling us they want leadership that takes public safety seriously, and they deserve to be heard."
Campaign for Vermont is encouraging all candidates for public office in Chittenden County to engage substantively with these findings and to present clear plans for improving public safety for all Vermonters. The full results of the poll can be found at CampaignForVermont.org.
Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to fostering prosperity for all Vermonters. The organization advocates for public policy changes by reconnecting middle-class Vermonters to their government. CFV is committed to data-driven political discourse, transparency, and accountability in state and local government.
6.8.2026. Campaign for Vermont, Montpelier
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