Fairfield, Illinois Public Records

The Fairfield Police Department, located at 200 W. Court St., Fairfield, IL 62837, is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the city. The department's website, https://www.fairfieldil.gov/police-department, provides information on reporting crimes, obtaining police reports, and contacting the department. Residents can also visit the police station to access public records related to law enforcement activities.

Elections in Fairfield are administered by the Wayne County Clerk, serving as the County Clerk and Election Authority, located at 301 East Main Street, Fairfield, IL 62837 (phone: 618-842-5182). Fairfield residents register to vote through the Wayne County Clerk's office, by mail using a downloadable form, or online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at https://ova.elections.il.gov/ for those with a valid Illinois driver's license or state ID. Voter registration in Illinois is available up to 16 days before an election (online and by-mail registration closes 16 days prior; grace period registration is available during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations with required documentation). Fairfield municipal elections, including races for Mayor and City Council members, are typically held on a consolidated election schedule in odd-numbered years (April) as established by Illinois election law. The next Fairfield municipal elections are expected in April 2025. Candidate information, sample ballots, and municipal election details are available through Fairfield City Hall (618-842-2151) and the Wayne County Clerk closer to election dates. Polling place assignments for Fairfield voters can be found by contacting the Wayne County Clerk or checking the Illinois State Board of Elections polling place lookup at https://ova.elections.il.gov/PollingPlaceLookup.aspx. Public election records in Illinois include voter registration lists (available under 10 ILCS 5/1A-25 with restrictions on commercial use), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections (searchable at https://www.elections.il.gov/), and precinct-level election results published by the County Clerk after certification. The 2024 general election saw typical rural Illinois turnout patterns in Wayne County, with presidential race turnout estimated at approximately 60-65% of registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in federal contests. On November 3, 2026, Fairfield and Wayne County voters will participate in the general election deciding Illinois Governor, statewide constitutional officers, U.S. House representative (Illinois 15th Congressional District), state legislative seats, Wayne County offices including County Board members, and potentially judicial retention questions. Absentee and vote-by-mail ballots in Illinois are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse; applications must be submitted to the Wayne County Clerk's office, with completed ballots returned by Election Day either by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or in person. Early voting is offered at designated Wayne County locations beginning 40 days before each election, with expanded hours in the final weeks, providing convenient options for Fairfield voters who prefer not to vote on Election Day.