About Odessa — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Big Stone County Jail in Ortonville functions as Bigstone County's primary detention facility. Individuals arrested anywhere in Bigstone County are brought here for booking, where they're processed and held awaiting court hearings or release on bail. Visitation at the facility operates under specific rules, with visitors required to schedule appointments in advance and follow established security protocols.
Arrest Records
The Big Stone County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the circumstances of each arrest including charges filed, the arresting officer, and the date of apprehension. Residents and legal counsel can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs how these public records are released, balancing transparency with privacy protections for sensitive information.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Big Stone County cover a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides criminal history reports.
Vital Records
Vital records for Odessa, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Bigstone County Recorder's Office (https://www.co.bigstone.mn.us/government/departments/recorder.php). Residents can request copies of these records by submitting the appropriate forms and fees.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Odessa, Minnesota are accessible through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/), which houses information on registered businesses, trade names, and commercial entities operating within the city. The Bigstone County Economic Development Authority (https://www.co.bigstone.mn.us/departments/economic_development.php) also maintains resources on local businesses and economic development initiatives affecting the area.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data for Odessa, Minnesota, is available through the U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (https://mn.gov/deed/). This includes information on employment, income, and other economic indicators for the city and surrounding region. The Bigstone County Economic Development Authority also provides resources and data related to the local economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Odessa voters receive election services through the Bigstone County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, the administrative hub for all county elections. The office is located at 20 SE 2nd Street, Ortonville, MN 56278, and can be reached at (320) 839-2506. Additional election information is available through Bigstone County's official website. Minnesota offers online voter registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/. Residents may register online, by mail, or in person at the Bigstone County elections office up to 21 days before an election.
The state also provides Election Day registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Acceptable documents include a valid Minnesota driver's license, Minnesota ID card, tribal ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, or other document showing current name and address. Minnesota does not require voter ID beyond proof of residence. As an unincorporated community, Odessa does not hold separate municipal elections for mayor or city council. Residents participate in county, state, and federal elections, as well as school district elections for the school board. Bigstone County residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Minnesota Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. Polling locations are determined by precinct boundaries, and voters must cast ballots at their designated polling place unless they've requested an absentee ballot. Election records that are public in Minnesota include voter registration lists (with some personal information restricted), campaign finance reports for candidates and committees (available through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board at https://cfb.mn.gov/), candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is public data accessible through data practices requests to Bigstone County.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Odessa voters are published by the Minnesota Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/). Senate seats may be on the ballot depending on the election cycle, voters should check with the Secretary of State for confirmation. Odessa residents vote in Minnesota House District and Senate District races that cover their area. County-level races in 2026 may include Bigstone County Commissioner seats, County Sheriff, County Attorney, and other county offices depending on term schedules. School board positions for the local school district will also be decided. Minnesota offers several options for absentee voting. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Bigstone County Elections Office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the county by one week before Election Day for mail delivery, or voters can apply in person at the Bigstone County office up until the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within three days) or delivered in person to the Bigstone County elections office by 3:00 PM on Election Day. Minnesota also allows early in-person voting (called "absentee voting in person") beginning 46 days before any election at the Bigstone County elections office.
Public Records Resources for Odessa, Minnesota
Official government websites for Odessa, Minnesota and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Minnesota Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- Minnesota Federal CasesSearch the Minnesota Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Minnesota Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
- Minnesota Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the Minnesota Dept. of Commerce.
- Minnesota Vital RecordsRequest birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Odessa, Minnesota?
To register to vote in Odessa, Minnesota, residents can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Big Stone County elections office. Minnesota requires voters to be U.S. 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 Minnesota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Odessa, contact the Big Stone County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Odessa, Minnesota?
Property records for Odessa, Minnesota are maintained by the Big Stone County Assessor's Office and the Big Stone County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Big Stone County, including parcels in Odessa. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Big Stone County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Minnesota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Big Stone County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Odessa, Minnesota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Odessa, Minnesota residents are available through both county and state offices. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located in Saint Paul, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Minnesota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Big Stone County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Big Stone County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.