VT4VT Civic guide
Run for office.
A plain-language starting point for Vermonters considering local or state office—with official forms and sources kept close.
Where to start
First, decide what office fits.
Vermont needs people at every level: town boards, school boards, justice of the peace, state representative, state senator, county offices, and statewide offices.
Start with your town clerk.
Local deadlines, petition requirements, and forms can vary by office and municipality.
Use the Secretary of State.
Statewide, General Assembly, county, and justice-of-the-peace candidate materials are maintained by the Vermont Secretary of State.
Confirm the details.
Verify the exact office, district, signature requirement, eligible signers, filing officer, and deadline before collecting signatures.
Keep copies.
Save every filed form, receipt, disclosure, official email, and written deadline confirmation.
Official resources
Use the official forms.
VT4VT can explain the starting points, but the Vermont Secretary of State and your town clerk remain the authorities for candidate requirements, forms, and deadlines.
Vermont Secretary of State candidate resources
Candidate categories, required forms, signature requirements, filing locations, financial disclosures, FAQs, and the election calendar.
Open official candidate information →Local officeLocal candidate FAQs
Official answers for Vermonters considering municipal office.
Open local candidate FAQs →Simple checklist
Before you announce.
1. Pick the office.
Confirm the district, municipality, term, qualifications, and duties.
2. Read the official guidance.
Use the current Secretary of State candidate page or contact your town clerk.
3. Get the correct forms.
Confirm the petition, consent, financial-disclosure, and any office-specific requirements.
4. Confirm signatures and filing.
Verify how many signatures are required, who may sign, where to file, and the exact deadline.
5. Keep a filing record.
Retain copies and proof of timely delivery for every submission.
6. Explain why you are running.
Prepare a short, specific message about whom you want to serve and what you want to accomplish.