Become a Justice of the Peace
Become a Justice of the Peace
Embedded Files
Get your Democratic primary ballot!
TAKE ACTION
Ever wondered about the Justices of the Peace on your ballot (or officiating your friend’s wedding) and thought, “how do I do that?”
Ever wondered about the Justices of the Peace on your ballot (or officiating your friend’s wedding) and thought, “how do I do that?”
We are here to demystify this important role and hope you will consider running! Franklin County needs grounded, fair-minded residents to step up, protect our local elections, and ensure our property tax system treats everyone fairly.
Qualifications
Qualifications
The total list of qualifications for a Democratic JP may surprise you:
You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must be a resident of the town where you are running.
You must agree to run on the Democratic ballot.
Are you qualified? Read on!
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
In Franklin County, being a Justice of the Peace is not a full-time job. However, it is an important job with responsibilities that make our community better and stronger. If you want to make an impact without the hours of a full-time or even most part-time jobs, this may be perfect for you.
Some of the JP’s responsibilities are mandatory, and some are performed at the JP’s discretion:
⚖️ Required
Elections: JPs assist with all elections: primary, general, special, and local. Upon request, JPs are also responsible for delivering absentee ballots at election time to voters who are ill or physically disabled.
Tax appeals and abatement: JPs hear and decide town property tax assessment appeals when local property owners do not agree with the final decision of the listers. This ensures your neighbors get a fair shake on their assessments.
✋ Optional
Solemnizing Marriages: A justice of the peace may perform marriages anywhere within Vermont’s boundaries. Marriage solemnization is a discretionary function; a JP may decide whether to perform a particular ceremony on a case-by-case basis, may decline to perform all ceremonies, or may decide to perform ceremonies only for family and friends.
Administering Oaths: Vermont authorizes a justice of the peace to administer oaths in all cases where an oath is required, unless a different provision is made by law.
Notary Services: Justices of the Peace can apply to become notaries public through the Office of Professional Regulation. Application fees are waved for JPs. Notaries may take acknowledgements, administer oaths and affirmations, attest to signatures, and note protests of negotiable instruments.
Compensation
Compensation
While no Vermont statute authorizes regular compensation, JPs are often compensated for certain duties, such as delivering absentee ballots and hearing tax disputes. As for performing marriages, compensation, if desired, is decided between the JP and the couple.
Nomination
Nomination
You can be nominated by the local Democratic committee. Just let us know you are interested! Nominations are decided by a democratic vote of your neighbors at a public town caucus.
After being nominated, you will go on to appear on voters' General Election ballots in November. Your name and Party affiliation will be displayed.
Town Seats
Town Seats
Being a Justice of the Peace means you will be part of a tight-knit team of neighbors looking out for your community! The total number of JPs that can be elected in each town is determined by population:
Bakersfield (7)
Berkshire (7)
Enosburgh (10)
Fairfax (15)
Fairfield (10)
Fletcher (7)
Franklin (7)
Georgia (12)
Highgate (12)
Montgomery (7)
Richford (10)
Saint Albans City (15)
Saint Albans Town (15)
Sheldon (10)
Swanton (15)
Next steps:
Next steps:
Caucuses are being scheduled now! If you are interested in becoming a Democratic Justice of the Peace, RSVP for your town caucus or contact us ASAP.
Page updated
Report abuse