Merrimac, Wisconsin Public Records

Registration deadlines allow online and mail registration up to 20 days before an election, though Wisconsin also offers same-day voter registration at the polls on Election Day for those who bring proof of residence such as a utility bill, bank statement, or Wisconsin driver's license with current address. Acceptable photo ID is required to vote, including a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or certain university IDs. As an unincorporated community within the town of Merrimac, the village has no municipal government or municipal elections. Residents do participate in town-level elections for the Town of Merrimac Board of Supervisors and town chairperson, typically held in April of odd-numbered years. County-level elections for Sauk County Board supervisors, county executive, sheriff, clerk of courts, register of deeds, treasurer, and district attorney occur in even-numbered years, with partisan primaries in August and general elections in November. To find their assigned polling place, residents can visit https://myvote.wi.gov and enter their address in the "Find My Polling Place" tool, which also displays sample ballots and early voting options. Election records in Wisconsin are largely public. Voter registration lists are available to candidates and political parties, though individual voter history - whether someone voted in a particular election - is protected from casual public disclosure. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political action committees are searchable through the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System at https://cfis.wi.gov, administered by the state Ethics Commission. Candidate filings, nomination papers, and financial disclosures are public records available through Sauk County Clerk for local races and the Wisconsin Elections Commission for state races. Precinct-level election results are published by Sauk County Clerk after each election and compiled statewide by the Elections Commission at https://elections.wi.gov. Senate seats may also be on the ballot depending on the election cycle for that class of senators. County voters will also elect constitutional officers such as sheriff, clerk of courts, register of deeds, and district attorney, as well as county board supervisors. Candidate lists and ballot information become available 60-90 days before each election through Sauk County Clerk's office and the MyVote.wi.gov portal. Wisconsin offers several methods for absentee voting. Residents can request an absentee ballot online at https://myvote.wi.gov by providing their name, date of birth, and address. Absentee ballots can be mailed to the voter, or voters can choose in-person absentee voting at Sauk County Clerk's office or designated early voting sites beginning two weeks before Election Day. Voted absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received by 8:00 PM on Election Day) or delivered in person to the municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Wisconsin does not allow drop boxes in most cases following recent legal changes, so voters should confirm current procedures with the Sauk County Clerk. Military and overseas voters have additional accommodations under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). For questions about voter eligibility, registration status, or polling place accessibility, residents should contact the Sauk County Clerk at (608) 355-3245 or visit the office in Baraboo.