Vermont ballot lists roles from treasurer to high bailiff

Several Burlington voters said this week they did not know what some of the positions on their Vermont ballots do. "Yeah, no, these are new to me," said Emma of Burlington. Rijah of Burlington said he was unsure about the probate judge race: "Like, the probate judge.. no, not really."

The state treasurer manages Vermont's finances. The secretary of state handles elections, business registration, professional licensing and public records. The auditor reviews whether tax money is spent as intended.

The probate judge handles family matters including wills, estates, trusts, adoptions and guardianships. Assistant judges handle certain court and maintenance budgets and courthouse administration, and they can sit alongside judges in some family and civil cases.

Each Vermont county elects one high bailiff. The high bailiff can step in for the sheriff and has the power to arrest the sheriff if needed. Justice of the peace candidates sit on their town's Board of Civil Authority, which runs elections; they also hear tax assessment appeals, perform marriages and administer oaths.

Jack Doris of Burlington said he was not certain about the probate judge role. "Those are for bonds, right? Like, they're who you go through for bonds," he said. Doris also said: "It's hard to educate yourself on all the positions and really, like, understand what each person has going for them."

The Secretary of State's Office publishes a guide describing the duties of these positions. Voters can find their county and open the voter guide for their area.

Vermont's general election is Nov. 3, 2026.