West Burke, Vermont Public Records

Beyond tourism, the town maintains a strong agricultural presence, with dairy farms and maple syrup producers playing an important role in the community. While the historic logging industry has declined, the town continues to capitalize on its natural resources and scenic beauty to sustain a thriving, diverse economy.

The state offers same-day voter registration, so eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day itself by providing proof of residency. Photo ID is not required to vote in Vermont, though voters who register by mail and have never voted in Vermont must provide identification or sign an affidavit. Municipal elections in Burke are held annually on Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March, when voters elect town officers including selectboard members, town clerk, treasurer, listers, and school directors, and vote on town budgets and local ballot articles. The next Town Meeting Day election will be held March 2, 2026. West Burke itself does not have separate municipal government elections as it is not an incorporated municipality. Polling places for Burke residents are assigned based on address and can be verified by contacting the Town Clerk or checking https://mvp.vermont.gov/ where voters can look up their polling location, sample ballot, and registration status by entering their name and birth date. Vermont law (17 V.S. § 2367) makes voter checklists (registration lists) public records available for inspection, though use is restricted to election related purposes. Campaign finance records for state and local candidates are maintained by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office and searchable at https://campaignfinance.vermont.gov/. Precinct-level election results for Burke are posted by the Town Clerk after canvassing and compiled at the county and state levels by the Vermont Secretary of State. In the November 2024 general election, Caledonia County saw approximately 62% voter turnout with strong participation across the Northeast Kingdom. Burke's turnout was similarly reflecting Vermont's traditionally high civic engagement. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Vermont voters including West Burke residents will decide several key races: a U.S. Senate seat is not up in 2026 (Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Peter Welch are not on the cycle that year), but Vermont will elect a Governor (incumbent Republican Phil Scott eligible for re-election), all members of the Vermont House of Representatives including the Burke area's representative in the Caledonia-Washington district, Vermont State Senators representing the Caledonia district, and various county offices potentially including Caledonia County State's Attorney, Sheriff, and other constitutional offices. Local town officers for Burke will not be on the November ballot as those elections occur in March. Vermont allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be made online at https://mvp.vermont.gov/, by contacting the Burke Town Clerk, or by completing the application printed in the town's Town Meeting warning. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail or delivered in person to the town clerk's office up to and including Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at the town clerk's office during the 45 days before an election during regular business hours. Vermont's transparent election system and accessible voter registration processes support high participation and public confidence in election integrity.