Vermont’s justices of the peace do far more than solemnizing marriages. Their duties are many and varied, from administering oaths to deciding property tax assessment appeals to delivering and counting ballots as elections officials.
How to become a Justice of the Peace
To become a justice of the peace, you must be elected at a general election or be appointed to fill a vacancy.
5 justices may be elected from towns with populations of less than 1,000. See Elected Town Officials for list of current Justices.
Timeline for Nominations
- Monday, July 20, 2026
- Deadline for town caucus to be held to nominate JPs.
- Deadline for Independent JP candidates to file petition and consent forms with Town Clerks.
- Petitions must contain 30 signatures, or 1% of the checklist, whichever is less.
- Monday, July 27, 2026
- Deadline for Major and Minor parties to file JP nominations with Town Clerks.
Term
The term of a justice of the peace begins on February 1 of the year following the general election and runs for two years.
See Vermont Justice of the Peace Guide to learn more.