Vermont's Weak County System
"Vermont counties have no executive, no legislature, and no property tax. They're geographic frameworks for courts and two elected offices."
Vermont counties are much weaker than counties in most other states. Vermont has no county executives, no county legislatures, and no county property taxes. Counties exist primarily to provide a geographic framework for the courts and a few elected offices.
Each county elects a sheriff and a state's attorney. These are the two main county-level elected officials most Vermonters will encounter.
counties — but Vermont's counties are intentionally weak by design
County Elected Officials
Sheriff
Vermont sheriffs provide civil process (serving court papers), courthouse security, and some patrol services in rural areas. They also transport prisoners and provide police coverage to towns that contract for it. Elected to 4-year terms.
State's Attorney
State's attorneys (called district attorneys in many states) prosecute criminal cases within the county. They work closely with local police, the Vermont State Police, and the Vermont Attorney General. Elected to 4-year terms.
Vermont's 14 Counties — Click to Explore
Select any county to see a summary of its elected offices and a link to find current officials:
County Courts
Vermont's court system is organized by county but administered by the state. Superior Courts handle civil and criminal cases. Each county has a Superior Court, though some share facilities. Judges are appointed by the Governor, not elected.