Barre, Vermont Public Records

The registration deadline for early or absentee voting is the day before the election. Vermont requires no voter ID; instead, voters sign the poll book under penalty of perjury confirming their identity and residence. The Vermont Secretary of State's Elections Division, 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633 (phone: 802-828-2363, website: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/) oversees statewide election administration and maintains voter information. Municipal elections in the city occur on Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March. Residents elect the mayor for a 2-year term, city council members representing their wards for 2-year terms, and school board members, while also voting on the city budget and local articles. The next city elections are scheduled for March 3, 2026. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at https://mvp.vermont.gov/ or by contacting the city clerk. The city typically operates multiple polling locations based on ward boundaries, and voters must cast ballots at their assigned location. In the November 2024 general election, Washington County reported approximately 62% voter turnout with strong participation in the presidential race; local turnout was consistent with county averages. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races. At the federal level, Vermont's U.S. House seat—the state has one at-large representative—will be on the ballot for a 2-year term. Vermont's U.S. Senate seats are not up in 2026 (Senator Bernie Sanders is up in 2024, Senator Peter Welch in 2028). At the state level, all 150 Vermont House of Representatives seats with 2-year terms will be contested; Barre is represented in the Washington-Chittenden district. All 30 Vermont Senate seats, also with 2-year terms, are up; the city is in the Washington Senate district. The Governor's race is in 2026, with Vermont governors serving 2-year terms. Statewide constitutional officers including Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Auditor all serve 2-year terms and will appear on the ballot. At the Washington County level, Washington County has no elected county executive positions as Vermont counties have limited government functions; most county positions are appointed or filled through legislative delegation. Vermont offers absentee and early voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be made online at https://mvp.vermont.gov/, by contacting the Barre City Clerk, or in person. Absentee ballots are mailed beginning 45 days before the election. Completed ballots must be received by the city clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day (postmarks do not count). The state also offers early voting in person at the city clerk's office during the 45 days before an election during regular office hours. Election results by precinct are posted on the Secretary of State's website at https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/. Voter checklists—registration lists without party affiliation, as Vermont does not have party registration—are public records available for inspection at the clerk's office. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the city clerk and available for public inspection; state-level campaign finance disclosures are searchable at the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal. The clerk's office maintains records of local ballot measures, candidates, and election results dating back decades, available for research during business hours.