Ashland, Wisconsin Public Records

The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation supports local law enforcement with forensic services and investigative assistance, enhancing Ashland County's ability to manage criminal records and investigations.

Registration deadlines include online and mail registration up to 20 days before an election, or in-person registration at the municipal clerk's office or polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver license, state ID card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document showing current name and address. The city holds municipal elections in the spring of odd-numbered years for mayor (4-year term), city council members (alderpersons representing wards, with staggered terms), and municipal judge. The next mayoral election is in April 2027, while city council elections occur annually for different wards. Information on local candidates, sample ballots, and ballot questions is available through the Ashland City Clerk at 715-682-7071 and the Ashland County Clerk's office. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the My Vote Wisconsin portal at myvote.wi.gov by entering their address; the site displays polling place location, hours (typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM), and a sample ballot for upcoming elections. Wisconsin makes extensive election records publicly accessible: voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted) can be requested from municipal clerks, campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable through the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS) at cfis.wi.gov, candidate registration and nomination papers are public records maintained by the appropriate election clerk, and precinct-by-precinct election results are published by the Ashland County Clerk and Wisconsin Elections Commission. In the November 2024 presidential election, Ashland County recorded approximately 7,200 total votes with turnout around 73% of registered voters, reflecting typical patterns for presidential elections in northern Wisconsin. In the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide several major races: Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat (currently held by Ron Johnson, term expires January 2027), Wisconsin Governor and Lieutenant Governor (4-year terms), Wisconsin Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State (all 4-year terms), Wisconsin State Assembly District 73 (covering Ashland), Wisconsin State Senate District 25 (if that cycle), Ashland County constitutional offices including Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, District Attorney, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Coroner (all 4-year terms), and Ashland County Board supervisors for various districts. Judicial elections for Circuit Court judges may also appear on the ballot if seats are up for election. Wisconsin voters can request absentee ballots online through myvote.wi.gov, by mail, in-person at the municipal clerk's office, or by email/fax if military or overseas. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for mail ballots, or in-person absentee voting is available up to the Sunday before Election Day at the clerk's office. Wisconsin requires absentee voters to provide a copy of photo ID with their ballot application unless indefinitely confined. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.