Orwell, Vermont Public Records

The town's commitment to preserving its rural character and promoting sustainable practices has also led to the growth of eco-friendly industries and renewable energy initiatives, further diversifying the local economy.

Public safety in Orwell is maintained by the Addison County Sheriff's Department, which operates out of its headquarters at 35 Court Street in Middlebury, Vermont 05753. The sheriff's department is responsible for law enforcement services, including responding to emergency calls, conducting investigations, and enforcing local and state laws within the town of Orwell. Residents can contact the Addison County Sheriff's Department at (802) 388-2981 for non-emergency inquiries or to report any suspicious activity or crimes. For immediate assistance, Orwell residents should dial 911.

Orwell voters are served by the Addison County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the town. The County Clerk is located at 5 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753, phone (802) 388-1966, website http://addisoncountyvt.org/departments/county-clerk/. Vermont residents can register to vote online at https://olvr.vermont.gov/ or in person at their town clerk's office up to and including Election Day. Vermont offers same-day voter registration, allowing qualified residents to register and vote on the same day at their polling location with proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a Vermont driver's license, utility bill, or a registered voter from the same municipality who can vouch for residency. The Orwell Town Clerk's Office at 436 Main Street, phone (802) 948-2452, handles local voter registration and maintains the town's voter checklist. Orwell holds Town Meeting annually on the first Tuesday in March, where residents vote on the town budget, elect local officials including selectboard members, listers, and various appointed positions, and decide local policy questions. The town does not have a mayor; governance is through an elected three-member selectboard. The next regular town elections will be held March 2, 2027. Orwell residents vote at the Orwell Town Hall, 436 Main Street. Polling place information can be verified at https://mvp.vermont.gov/ by entering your name and birth date. Vermont law (17 V.S.A. § 2367) makes voter checklists public records, available for inspection at the town clerk's office. Campaign finance records for state-level candidates are maintained by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office and searchable at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov/. In the November 2024 presidential election, Addison County reported approximately 65% voter turnout, with over 24,000 ballots cast out of roughly 37,000 registered voters, reflecting Vermont's consistently high civic engagement. On November 3, 2026, Orwell voters will participate in Vermont's gubernatorial election, as the Governor serves a two-year term with elections in even-numbered years. Vermont does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026, as both senators were most recently elected in 2024 (Bernie Sanders) and 2022 (Peter Welch). State representative and state senator seats for Addison County districts will be on the ballot, along with constitutional officers including Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Auditor. County-level offices such as State's Attorney, Sheriff, and Assistant Judges may also appear depending on term expiration. Vermont offers early absentee voting by mail to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Applications for absentee ballots can be requested online through the Secretary of State's website, by contacting the Orwell Town Clerk, or in person. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Orwell voters can track their ballot status through the MyVoter portal at https://mvp.vermont.gov/.