Hancock, Vermont Public Records

Major employers in the area include local farms, outdoor recreation outfitters, and small retail and service establishments. The town's budget for the 2023 fiscal year is approximately $1.2 million, reflecting its commitment to supporting the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for its 326 residents.

The Hancock community is served by the Addison County Sheriff's Department, which provides law enforcement services to the town. Residents can contact the sheriff's office, located in Middlebury, to report incidents or request assistance. The Hancock Constable, a locally elected official, also plays a role in community policing and enforcing local ordinances. Crime rates in Hancock are generally low, reflecting the town's safe and peaceful character. However, the sheriff's department and constable remain vigilant in maintaining public safety and responding to any emergencies or law enforcement needs that arise.

Hancock, Vermont voters are served by the Town Clerk's Office for local election administration and the Vermont Secretary of State's Office for statewide election coordination. The Hancock Town Clerk, located at 34 Rochester Road, Hancock, VT 05748 (phone: 802-767-3660), serves as the primary elections official for voter registration, ballot administration, and local election management. Vermont offers online voter registration at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration/, with registration deadlines of Wednesday before Election Day for online registration and in-person registration available through Election Day itself under Vermont's same-day registration law. Voters must provide proof of residency and identification. Hancock holds annual Town Meeting on the first Tuesday in March, a Vermont tradition where local budget, officer elections, and municipal matters are decided by Australian ballot and floor votes. Hancock has no mayor or city council; the town is governed by a three-member Selectboard elected at Town Meeting. Hancock voters cast ballots at the Hancock Town Hall, 34 Rochester Road, with polling place confirmations available through the town clerk or at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/polling-places/. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Hancock and Addison County voters will decide several key races: Vermont does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (next Senate election is 2028), but voters will elect Vermont's Governor (2-year terms mean gubernatorial elections in 2026), Vermont's single U.S. House seat, state Senate and House representatives for Addison County districts, and county-level positions including State's Attorney, Sheriff, and potentially Addison County Senate seats. In the November 2024 presidential election, Addison County reported approximately 65-70% voter turnout with strong participation across small towns including Hancock. Vermont's public records law makes voter checklists (registration lists) public records available for inspection, while individual ballot choices remain secret. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Vermont Secretary of State and searchable at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov/. Precinct-level election results are posted by town clerks and compiled by the Secretary of State. Vermont offers no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by contacting their town clerk up to 45 days before an election, with ballots accepted until polls close on Election Day if hand-delivered or by 7 PM if mailed. Early voting is available in the 45 days before an election at the town clerk's office during business hours. All election information and candidate filings are accessible through the Vermont Secretary of State Elections Division at https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/.