Vermont voters face obscure ballot roles on election day
Residents are trying to decipher the duties of positions like high bailiff and justice of the peace before casting ballots in the 2026 election.
By Anthony Foster ·
Vermont voters are preparing to cast ballots in the state’s 2026 general election, but many are facing a list of office titles that are unfamiliar to the average citizen.
While roles like governor and attorney general are widely understood, other positions on the ballot require specific knowledge to evaluate. Voters in Burlington expressed confusion when asked to identify the duties of lesser-known offices. Emma, a resident of Burlington, admitted that several of the titles were new to her. Jack Doris, also from Burlington, guessed that the roles related to bonds, while Rijah was unsure about the function of a probate judge.
The state treasurer serves as the financial manager for the state. The secretary of state manages elections, business registration, professional licensing, and public records. The auditor reviews how state tax dollars are spent to ensure efficiency.
The probate judge handles family legal matters, including wills, estates, trusts, adoptions, and guardianships. Assistant judges manage specific court and maintenance budgets, handle administrative tasks, and sit in certain family and civil cases. They also serve as a connection between the courts and the local community.
The high bailiff is a role unique to Vermont, with one appointed per county. This official steps in to perform the duties of a sheriff if necessary, including the power to arrest the sheriff. Justices of the peace sit on the local Board of Civil Authority to run elections. They also hear tax assessment appeals, perform marriages, and administer oaths.
Doris noted that it is difficult to learn about every position and understand the qualifications of each candidate. The Secretary of State’s Office provides a guide that breaks down the responsibilities of these roles. Voters can locate their specific county and access a detailed voter guide through the office’s website.
The election takes place in the fall of 2026, requiring residents to make choices on a wide range of local and state offices.
