Dorset, Vermont Public Records

The bond and bail process in Vermont allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with conditions set by the court. Information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office or the jail's administrative office.

Law enforcement services in Dorset are provided by the Vermont State Police, Troop D, headquartered at 188 Northside Drive in Bennington, Vermont 05201. This station is responsible for responding to emergency calls, conducting investigations, and enforcing state laws within the Dorset community. Residents can contact the Vermont State Police to report crimes, obtain copies of police reports, or inquire about the local crime statistics and public safety initiatives.

Dorset voters are served by the Bennington Town Clerk's Office which administers elections for all Bennington County towns; however, each Vermont town clerk handles voter registration and elections for their own town. The Dorset Town Clerk's Office at 112 Mad Tom Road, Dorset, VT 05251 (phone: 802-362-4571) is the official election authority for Dorset residents, maintaining voter checklists, processing voter registrations, issuing absentee ballots, and conducting all federal, state, and local elections. Vermont residents can register to vote online at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration or in person at the town clerk's office. Vermont offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day. Voter ID is not required in Vermont; voters may sign an affidavit if they lack ID. Dorset holds Annual Town Meeting on the first Tuesday in March each year, where voters decide on the town budget, elect town officers including selectboard members, listers, and other positions, and vote on local issues. The next municipal election is March 2026. Dorset does not have a mayor; the town is governed by a five-member selectboard. Polling for all elections takes place at the Dorset Town Hall, 112 Mad Tom Road. Voters can confirm their polling location and view sample ballots at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections or by contacting the town clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Bennington County reported approximately 62% voter turnout with roughly 23,000 ballots cast countywide. On November 3, 2026, Dorset and Bennington County voters will decide several important races: the U.S. House of Representatives seat for Vermont's At-Large Congressional District, Vermont Governor (Phil Scott's term expires in 2026), Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Auditor of Accounts, Vermont State Senate seats for Bennington County, Vermont House of Representatives seats for the Bennington-Rutland district, and potentially local ballot measures. Vermont does not have U.S. Senate elections in 2026 as both seats are on different cycles. Vermont election records that are public include voter checklists (available for inspection at the town clerk's office), campaign finance reports filed with the Vermont Secretary of State's office at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov, and certified election results posted by the Secretary of State. Precinct-level results for Dorset are reported separately and available through the town clerk. To request an absentee ballot in Vermont, voters may apply online, by mail, or in person at the town clerk's office; applications must be received by 5:00 PM the day before the election, and ballots may be returned by mail or delivered in person. Vermont allows early voting by absentee ballot beginning 45 days before any election. All voter registration and election records are maintained permanently by the town clerk.