Justices of the Peace administer oaths of office, perform marriage ceremonies and civil unions, and serve on the Board of Civil Authority.

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Because the Justices of the Peace used to involve great political influence, the nominating procedure is very different from that of other town officers. Justices are nominated for office at the September political party primaries in each even-numbered year. (Independent candidates may also have their names placed on the ballot by petition.)

Justices are elected biannually on the first Tuesday in November.