All links go directly to official Moses Lake, Washington government websites.
About Moses Lake City Government
Government TypeCity Council
The governing body of Moses Lake, Washington, is the Moses Lake City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Don Myers and Councilmembers David C. Doughty, Karen Liebrecht, and others, who represent the interests of the community in various capacities.Balsam Street, Moses Lake, WA 98837.
About Moses Lake, Washington
Among the landmarks in Moses Lake are the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, which showcases local history and art, and the scenic Moses Lake itself, a popular destination for water sports and recreation. The city is home to the historic downtown district, which features a variety of shops and restaurants that contribute to the local economy. Economically, Moses Lake has a diverse base, with agriculture and manufacturing playing significant roles. The city is notably home to the Grant County International Airport, which has been key in attracting aerospace industries, including a significant presence from the aerospace company, Boeing. This airport is one of the largest in the state, helping with both cargo and passenger flights, and shows the city’s strategic importance in regional economic development.
Moses Lake, Washington Public Records & Government Resources
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Moses Lake.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Grant County relies on coordination between the Grant County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments serving incorporated areas. The Moses Lake Police Department handles local calls within city limits, while the Ephrata Police Department and Quincy Police Department cover their respective jurisdictions. When major crimes or large-scale emergencies arise, these agencies work together with the sheriff's office to ensure coverage throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Grant County Jail in Ephrata is the primary detention facility for the area. Upon arrest, individuals are processed through booking, which includes photographing and fingerprinting. The public can access inmate information through Grant County's online portal, making it easier to locate current detainees. Visitation at the facility operates on a scheduled basis and requires appointments in advance. Washington law allows for bail to be posted through cash or bond, and the jail provides guidance on navigating this process For people looking for release.
Arrest Records
The Grant County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including those from Moses Lake. Residents and attorneys can request these records by submitting formal applications under the Washington Public Records Act. A typical arrest record contains personal details of the individual, circumstances surrounding the arrest, charges filed, and the name of the arresting officer. The system balances public access and transparency with protections for sensitive information.
Court Records
Federal bankruptcy cases involving Moses Lake residents fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington, with records accessible through the PACER system. At the state level, the Washington Courts website provides a case search tool that allows residents to locate information on both civil and criminal proceedings in the area. Those concerned about registered sex offenders in the community can also consult the National Sex Offender Registry for current listings.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Grant County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Grant County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides background checks for residents. The Washington Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal history information, making sure of thorough background checks for employment or personal purposes.
Public Records Access
The Washington State Archives and Genealogy office maintains public records for Moses Lake, Washington, serving as the central repository for historical and governmental documents. Property records, including deeds, mortgages, and assessor information, are accessible through the USA.gov Public Records Guide, giving residents a straightforward way to research real estate transactions. The Moses Lake Unclaimed Property Search tool provided by the federal government helps individuals determine whether they or their families have unclaimed assets waiting to be recovered.
Vital Records
Vital records for Moses Lake, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records office. Residents can also access Social Security Death Records through the Social Security Administration's online portal. The Center for Missing & Exploited Children maintains a dedicated resource for Washington state, which may be helpful For people searching for information related to missing persons.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licenses, zoning permits, and commercial records in Moses Lake are issued and maintained by the city government. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access much of this information through municipal online resources, streamlining the process for startups and established companies alike. For broader guidance on government records related to business operations and commercial activities, the USA.gov website offers a directory that covers federal, state, and local requirements.
Economy & Demographics
Moses Lake's diverse economy is anchored by the Grant County International Airport, which has been instrumental in attracting aerospace and manufacturing industries to the area. The city is home to a significant presence from the Boeing Company, underscoring its strategic importance in the regional economy. Agriculture also is important, with local farms and producers contributing to the area's economic vitality. The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and the city's economic development office can provide additional information on the local business scene and major employers.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Moses Lake, Washington voters: (1) The Grant County Elections Department serves voters throughout the city. Located at 35 C St NW, Ephrata, WA 98823, the office can be reached at (509) 754-2011 or online at grantcountywa.gov/elections. (2) Washington residents in Moses Lake can register to vote online at VoteWA.gov. The deadline for online registration is 8 days before an election, and applicants need a valid Washington state driver's license or ID card to complete the process.
(3) Municipal elections for mayor and city council take place every 4 years, with the next round scheduled for November 2025. Candidate information becomes available through the Grant County Elections website or by contacting the Moses Lake City Clerk. (4) Voters can look up their assigned polling place on the VoteWA.gov website. (5) Public records related to elections, including voter registration data and election results, are generally available for inspection and copying in Washington, though certain protections exist to safeguard voter privacy. (6) Grant County recorded a 72.5% voter turnout in the 2024 general election. (7) The November 2026 election will feature races for city council, county commissioners, and potentially other local offices. Specific candidate details will be posted closer to the election date. (8) Washington offers both in-person and mail-in voting options. Registered voters can request a mail-in ballot through VoteWA.gov or by contacting the Grant County Elections Department at (509) 754-2011. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped at an official ballot drop box.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 8/10 | Property: 8/10 | Arrest Logs: 8/10 | Vital Records: 7/10 | Business: 8/10 | Elections: 9/10 | Overall: 8.3/10 — Moses Lake and Grant County, Washington have a strong track record of government transparency, with extensive public access to court records, property information, arrest logs, and election data. Vital records are somewhat more restricted, but overall the region demonstrates a commitment to open and accountable governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are the school district and education performance data for Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington?
Public schools in Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Grant County school administration or the Washington Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2What are the crime statistics for Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington?
Crime data for Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Grant County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Moses Lake police department or the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
3What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington Library?
The Moses Lake Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Grant County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4Where is the Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington Public Library located?
The Moses Lake Public Library serves residents of Moses Lake and the surrounding Grant County area in Washington. Contact the library directly or visit the Grant County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Moses Lake, Washington residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Grant County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Moses Lake Police Department or the Grant County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Washington Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Washington State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Grant County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7How do I register to vote in Moses Lake, Washington?
To register to vote in Moses Lake, Washington, residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Grant County elections office. Washington requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Washington Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Moses Lake, contact the Grant County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8How do I look up property records in Moses Lake, Washington?
Full public records for Moses Lake, Washington, are maintained by the Washington State Archives and Genealogy office. Local residents can access a variety of property records, including deeds, mortgages, and assessor information, through the USA.gov Public Records Guide. The Moses Lake Unclaimed Property Search tool, provided by the federal government, allows individuals to check for any unclaimed assets that may belong to them or their families.
9How do I get a birth or death certificate in Moses Lake, Washington?
Vital records for Moses Lake, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records office. Residents can also access Social Security Death Records through the Social Security Administration's online portal. The Center for Missing & Exploited Children maintains a dedicated resource for Washington state, which may be helpful for people searching for information related to missing persons.
10How do I find business license records in Moses Lake, Washington?
The city of Moses Lake oversees the issuance of business licenses, zoning permits, and other commercial records. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access this information through the municipal government's online resources. The USA.gov website provides a guide to government records, including those related to business operations and commercial activities.
Nearby Cities in Grant County, Washington
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: