Baraboo, Wisconsin Public Records

Wisconsin's bond and bail process permits release of detainees under certain conditions, with detailed information available through the jail's administrative office for families and attorneys navigating the system.

Wisconsin residents register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the state's election portal maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Registration must be completed at least 20 days before an election, though the state also offers in-person registration at the polls on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card with current address, a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing name and address. Photo ID is required to vote—acceptable forms include Wisconsin driver's license or state ID, U.S. Passport, military ID, tribal ID, or certain student IDs from Wisconsin colleges. The city holds municipal elections in the spring of odd-numbered years. Baraboo's mayor is elected to a four-year term, with the next mayoral election scheduled for April 2025. The Baraboo Common Council consists of alderpersons representing eight districts, each serving two-year terms with elections alternating so roughly half the council is elected annually. Local ballot measures, such as referendum questions on city spending or services, may appear on spring or fall ballots. Residents also participate in county, state, and federal elections administered in April—spring election and presidential primary in election years—and November for the general election. Residents can find their assigned polling place by visiting myvote.wi.gov and entering their address. The site provides the polling location address, hours (typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day), and sample ballot. The city has multiple polling locations throughout its boundaries, typically at schools, community centers, or municipal buildings, assigned based on ward boundaries. Wisconsin makes numerous election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available to candidates, political parties, and the public upon request from the municipal or county clerk, though use is restricted to election-related purposes. Campaign finance reports for local, county, and state candidates are filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission and searchable online at ethics.wi.gov. Candidate filings, nomination papers, and declaration of candidacy forms are maintained by the municipal or county clerk depending on the office sought. Election results by precinct are published on the Sauk County Clerk's website and the Wisconsin Elections Commission site following each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Sauk County reported voter turnout exceeding 72%, with approximately 43,000 total votes cast out of roughly 59,000 registered voters. Turnout in the city typically mirrors county averages in presidential years, reflecting strong civic engagement. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters will decide several significant races. Wisconsin's gubernatorial election will be held in 2026, with Governor Tony Evers' term expiring—a major statewide race. All of Wisconsin's eight U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, with Baraboo located in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. State legislative races will include all 99 Wisconsin Assembly seats and approximately half of the 33 State Senate seats (odd-numbered districts in 2026). At the Sauk County level, several Sauk County Board supervisors' seats will be contested, along with potential county executive and other county offices depending on term schedules. Local voters may also see referenda on school funding, city improvements, or other municipal questions. The County Clerk's office will publish a list of races and candidates approximately six months before the election. Wisconsin offers several methods for absentee voting. Voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, by email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election. Military and overseas voters have extended deadlines. The ballot will be mailed to the voter, who must complete it, have it witnessed by an adult U.S. Citizen, and return it by mail or in person so it arrives at the municipal clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Residents can also vote absentee in person at the Baraboo City Clerk's office, 101 South Boulevard, during the two-week period before the election, with extended hours the final weekend before Election Day. Wisconsin does not require an excuse for absentee voting—any registered voter may request an absentee ballot.