Coventry, Vermont Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the Vermont Secretary of State's system at olvr.vermont.gov, which requires a Vermont driver's license or state ID. Registration deadlines fall on the Wednesday before Election Day for online and mail registration, though same-day registration is available at the polls on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residency. Acceptable identification includes a valid Vermont driver's license, other government-issued photo ID, or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck showing the voter's name and Coventry address. The town operates under Vermont's traditional town meeting system rather than a mayor-council structure. The annual Town Meeting, held the first Tuesday in March each year, is the primary municipal election where voters elect selectboard members, town clerk, treasurer, listers, school directors, and various other positions. Town Meeting Day 2026 will be held on March 3, 2026. The selectboard posts warning articles for town and school budgets, local ordinances, and other matters in advance. Local voters cast ballots at the Coventry Town Garage and Community Center on School Street. Vermont does not maintain a statewide polling place lookup tool; residents should contact the Town Clerk to confirm their polling location, which typically remains constant. Polls generally open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day, though town meeting hours may vary. Vermont public records law makes certain election documents publicly accessible. Voter checklists are available for inspection at the town clerk's office and may be purchased for political purposes under 17 V.S. § 2154. Campaign finance reports for state-level candidates are filed with and published by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office at campaignfinance.vermont.gov. Local candidate filings and consent forms for town offices are maintained by the town clerk. Precinct-level election results are posted by the town clerk and compiled by the Secretary of State at electionarchive.vermont.gov. In the November 2024 general election, Orleans County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout, consistent with Vermont's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections. The town's turnout typically mirrors or slightly exceeds the county average during high-profile contests. Vermont voters supported the Democratic presidential candidate by roughly 65-32% statewide, with Orleans County showing somewhat closer results reflecting its more rural and conservative-leaning character compared to the state's urban centers. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races. Vermont's gubernatorial election will be held, as the governor serves a two-year term. Vermont's sole U.S. House seat will be on the ballot. The Vermont State Senate and House of Representatives will also be decided; Coventry is part of the Orleans County Senate District and a House district that includes several Northeast Kingdom towns. Two Orleans County Senate seats (Vermont Senate districts are multi-member) will be contested. Orleans County offices potentially on the 2026 ballot include County Clerk, State's Attorney, High Bailiff, Sheriff, and Assistant Judges. No U.S. Senate seat from Vermont is scheduled for the 2026 cycle. Vermont offers absentee voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's MyVoterPage portal at mvp.vermont.gov, by mailing or delivering a written request to the Town Clerk, or by calling the Town Clerk's office at (802) 754-2288. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the town clerk by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the town clerk by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted. Vermont law also allows early voting in the town clerk's office beginning 45 days before an election for voters who will be absent on Election Day.