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If you are a registered Charlotte voter, you have probably received your ballot in the mail by now. Be sure to look at both sides of the ballot. On the back side there are 21 names running for justice of the peace positions. Note that you can vote for no more than 12.

Why so many? And what is a justice of the peace, and what do they do?

I have been asked these questions recently, so I thought a little tutorial might be in order.

Justice of the peace is a position created and defined in the Vermont Constitution. Every town or city in Vermont elects justices of the peace to serve vital functions in the community. The number of justices of the peace in a municipality depends on the population. Since Charlotte’s population is between 3,000 and 5,000, we can elect up to 12.

Justice of the peace candidates are nominated by the major political parties of Vermont, i.e. Democrat, Republican and Progressive, in an official local caucus meeting. Individuals may also become a candidate as an Independent by collecting signatures on a nominating petition. The term of a justice of the peace is two years beginning on Feb. 1 of the year after the election.

Justice of the peace candidates have several varied responsibilities from administering oaths to deciding property tax assessment appeals to delivering and counting ballots as elections officials. The responsibilities and rules governing these responsibilities are spelled out in a justice of the peace guide published by the Vermont secretary of state.

Justices of the peace help their town clerk administer elections, including reviewing and updating voter checklists, testing and verifying the operation of tabulating machines, checking voters off the checklist when they vote, delivering ballots to homebound voters and counting the ballots after the polls close.

Justices of the peace serve on the board of civil authority and the board of tax abatement along with the town clerk and selectboard members. The board of civil authority hears appeals of property tax assessments when local property owners do not agree with the final decision of the listers. The board of tax abatement can determine whether a taxpayer’s property tax obligation should be forgiven under certain circumstances, such as a loss due to fire or flooding.

One of the most recognizable authorities and privileges of a justice of the peace is solemnizing marriages. This is not a mandatory duty, but it is often a very enjoyable one.

Being a justice of the peace is a privilege and an opportunity to serve our community, and all the candidates who have stood for election are dedicated to serving our town and our citizens in a voluntary capacity. So, be sure to look over this important part of your ballot and cast your 12 votes.