About Polk
This canal significantly contributed to the economic growth of the region by helping with trade and transportation. Today, Polk maintains its agricultural roots, with local farms contributing to the economy and community identity. The nearby neighborhoods of West Salem and Lodi also reflect the area's commitment to preserving its rural heritage while building community among residents.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Polk
Ashland County Sheriff's Office
Welcome to the official app for Ashland County Sheriff's Office (OH)
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⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Polk
Polk Records Online
Welcome to Polk Records Online, the Polk County Clerk of Court’s consolidated case records search application.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Polk
Ashland County Recorder
Property records for Polk, Ohio are maintained by the Ashland County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Ashland County, including Polk.
About Polk — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Ashland County Jail in Ashland is the primary lockup for anyone arrested within county boundaries. Those brought in go through standard booking procedures: fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information. The public can search for current detainees through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system. Visitors must schedule appointments and follow strict facility guidelines. Bond and bail procedures align with Ohio state law, allowing defendants or their families to post bail either in cash or through licensed bond agents.
Arrest Records
The Ashland County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents throughout Ashland County. These documents capture the circumstances of each arrest, formal charges filed, and identifying information about the arrestee. Local residents and attorneys seeking copies can submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. The Ohio Public Records Act guarantees public access to these materials, though certain details may be redacted to protect privacy. Most arrest records contain the arrest date, charges brought, and scheduled court appearances.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Ashland County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides reports for residents. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation also offers fingerprinting services for more detailed background checks.
Vital Records
Vital records for Polk residents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are stored and managed by the Ashland County Vital Statistics Office. This office is located at 1763 State Route 60, Ashland, OH 44805, and can be reached at (419) 289-3252. Residents can obtain copies of vital records by submitting an application and fee to the Vital Statistics Office. The Ashland County website provides additional information and forms for requesting vital records: https://www.ashlandcounty.org/public-health/vital-statistics/.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community serving Polk operates through the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce at 211 Claremont Ave, Ashland, OH 44805. Reachable at (419) 281-4584, the chamber supports local enterprises with networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, and economic development resources. Businesses operating in the area obtain licenses and permits through the Ashland County Auditor's Office, which handles inquiries at (419) 289-3850 or online at https://www.ashlandcounty.org/auditor/.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Polk is largely driven by agriculture and small businesses. Major employers in the area include local farms, manufacturing companies, and service providers. Economic data and business resources for Polk can be obtained from the Ashland Area Development Foundation, located at 211 Claremont Ave, Ashland, OH 44805, (419) 281-4584, or https://www.ashlandareadev.com/. The Ashland County Auditor's Office also maintains property tax and assessment records related to the Polk business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Polk participate in elections administered by the Ashland County Board of Elections, located at 110 Cottage Street, Ashland, OH 44805, phone (419) 282-4252, website www.ashlandcountyboe.com. The Board handles everything from federal contests down to township races, maintaining registration rolls, designating polling locations, and processing absentee ballot applications. Ohio residents can register online at www.olvr.ohiosos.gov using an Ohio driver's license or state ID number, though registration must be complete at least 30 days before any election.
Alternatively, residents can register in person at the Board office, submit the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or sign up at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and other state agencies. As an unincorporated community without municipal government, Polk has no city council or mayoral races. Instead, residents cast ballots in Mohican Township trustee elections and fiscal officer contests held during odd-year November general elections Precinct boundaries within Mohican Township determine where residents vote; anyone can verify their assigned polling place by entering their address at www.ashlandcountyboe.com or calling the Board directly. The U.S. Senate seat held by J.D. The governor's race won't appear since Ohio governors serve four-year terms with the next election in 2026. All state legislative seats are on the ballot, however: both Ohio Senate District 22 and Ohio House of Representatives District 77, which represent the Ashland County area. County-level contests in 2026 include Ashland County Commissioner positions - three commissioners serve staggered four-year terms - along with potentially the County Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, or Clerk of Courts depending on term expirations, plus the Ashland County Sheriff. Mohican Township trustees won't appear since they run in odd-year cycles on staggered four-year terms. Ohio law permits any voter to request absentee ballots without providing a reason. Applications are available at www.ashlandcountyboe.com and must arrive by noon the Saturday before Election Day for mail voting, though in-person absentee voting at the Board office continues through the day before the election. Early in-person voting typically opens four weeks prior to Election Day. Public election records accessible through the Board include voter registration lists, which campaigns and political parties can purchase under Ohio Revised Code 3503.26, precinct-level results, campaign finance reports for local candidates filed with the Board for township and county races, and candidate petition documents. Statewide campaign finance records for legislative and statewide offices are maintained by the Ohio Secretary of State at www.ohiosos.gov.
Public Records Resources for Polk, Ohio
Official government websites for Polk, Ohio 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.
- Ohio Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Ohio Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records in the Ohio Dept. of Health.
- Ohio Death RowInformation about Ohio death row inmates from the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
- Ohio Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the OH Department of Health.
- Ohio Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the OH Dept. of Commerce.
Nearby Cities in Ashland County, Ohio
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Polk, Ohio?
To register to vote in Polk, Ohio, residents can register online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Ashland County elections office. Ohio 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 Ohio Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Polk, contact the Ashland County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Polk, Ohio?
Property records for Polk, Ohio are maintained by the Ashland County Auditor's Office and the Ashland County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Ashland County, including parcels in Polk. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Ashland County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Ohio counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Ashland County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Polk, Ohio?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Polk, Ohio residents are available through both county and state offices. The Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Columbus, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Ohio. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ashland County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ashland 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.