Randolph, Vermont Public Records

Vermont's decentralized election system places responsibility with individual town clerks rather than county offices, though the Vermont Secretary of State's Elections Division provides statewide oversight from 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633 (phone: 802-828-2363, website: sos.vermont.gov/elections). Registering to vote in Vermont can be done online at olvr.vermont.gov, by mail, or in person at the Town Clerk's office. The state offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place with proof of residency. Online and mail registration must be received by the Wednesday before Election Day. Voters need their Vermont driver's license number or non-driver ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Unlike many states, Vermont doesn't require photo ID at the polls; voters simply sign the checklist affirming their identity. First-time voters who registered by mail without providing ID may need to show identification when they vote. Randolph holds its annual Town Meeting elections on the first Tuesday in March, continuing a Vermont tradition where residents decide the town budget, elect local officials including selectboard members, and vote on local issues. The next Town Meeting Day falls on March 2, 2026. The community operates under a town government structure with a five-member Selectboard serving as executive authority, with members elected to staggered three-year terms. Voters also elect the town clerk, treasurer, listers, school directors, and various other positions during Town Meeting. Information about candidates and ballot measures is published in advance through the Town Clerk's office and local media including the Herald of Randolph. Residents can find their polling place through the Vermont Secretary of State's lookup tool at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the Town Clerk directly. Randolph typically uses Randolph Union High School or the Randolph Town Hall as polling locations. Under Vermont law, polls must be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though local option allows earlier opening times. Vermont's public records law makes voter checklists available for public inspection and purchase for political purposes, though individual voter history remains confidential. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Vermont Secretary of State and searchable at sos.vermont.gov/campaign-finance. The Town Clerk maintains candidate filings and nomination papers for local offices, while the Secretary of State handles state positions. Election results by town and precinct appear on the Secretary of State's website following each election. Orange County reported approximately 65% voter turnout in the November 2024 presidential election. Randolph participation rates typically match or slightly exceed the county average, likely due to the Vermont Tech student population and an engaged community. Vermont overall ranked among the highest turnout rates nationally. The November 3, 2026 general election will present several significant races for local voters. Vermont's gubernatorial election will be held, as the governor serves a two-year term; Governor Phil Scott or his successor will be on the ballot. All 150 Vermont House of Representatives seats will be contested, including representation for Randolph in the Orange-Washington-Addison district. Vermont's single U.S. House seat will also be decided. One Vermont U.S. Senate seat may be contested depending on the election cycle—Senator Bernie Sanders' seat is up in 2024, Senator Peter Welch's in 2026. State Senate seats for the Orange County district will appear on the ballot. No Orange County-specific offices are elected countywide, as county government in Vermont is minimal. Local positions will be determined at March Town Meeting rather than November elections. Vermont offers early absentee voting with no excuse required. Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by submitting an application to the Randolph Town Clerk by mail, email, fax, or in person. Applications are available at sos.vermont.gov/elections or from the Town Clerk's office. Absentee ballots are mailed beginning 45 days before the election. Completed ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within three days) or delivered in person to the Town Clerk's office by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Residents can also vote early in person at the Town Clerk's office during the 45 days before an election during regular business hours.