The ionic polymerization of vinyl monomers possessing aromatic and heterocyclic functional groups has not been studied in any systematic fashion. Only in a few isolated cases have detailed mechanistic and structural studies been reported. The anionic polymerization of a number of vinylanthracene monomers has recently been investigated and some rationalization of this system is presented. The cationic and anionic polymerization of the N-, 3-, and 2-vinylcarbazole series of monomers is discussed in some detail. The important role of vinyl aromatic/vinyl heterocyclic monomers, i.e., diphenylethylene and the vinylcarbazoles, in elucidating the mechanistic aspects of cationic polymerization, “change transfer” polymerization, and photoionic polymerization is considered.