About Port Washington — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Individuals arrested in Ozaukee County are booked and held at Ozaukee County jail, housed within the Justice Center. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. An online inmate lookup tool maintained by the county allows families and attorneys to search for current detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling, with specific guidelines governing visitor behavior and permitted items.
Wisconsin's bond system permits both cash and surety bonds, and those seeking information about posting bail can contact the jail's administrative office directly for current procedures and requirements.
Arrest Records
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the entire county. These documents contain arrest details, charges filed, and booking data. Those seeking arrest records must submit formal requests to the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined in the Wisconsin Open Records Law. A typical arrest record includes the subject's name, arrest date, charges, and which agency made the arrest. Residents and legal representatives can obtain this information by adhering to Ozaukee County's established request protocols, for openness while protecting legitimate privacy interests.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Ozaukee County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Ozaukee County Circuit Court maintains records of criminal proceedings, while the Sheriff's Office keeps arrest and incident reports. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice also offers resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.
Vital Records
For people looking for vital records in Port Washington, the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds office is the primary point of contact. This office, situated at 121 W. Main Street, houses birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Port Washington. Residents can submit requests in person, by mail, or online to obtain certified copies of these important documents. The process is well-documented, and the office staff is knowledgeable and helpful in guiding applicants through the necessary steps.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses in Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin find essential resources through the Community Development Department at 100 W. Grand Avenue. This office handles business license issuance, commercial activity permits, and zoning regulations. Whether launching a startup or expanding an established enterprise, owners can consult with department staff to navigate local permitting, ensure compliance with city ordinances, and secure necessary approvals.
Economy & Demographics
Port Washington has a diverse and thriving economy, building upon its rich maritime heritage while embracing modern industries. The city's harbor continues to be a vital hub for commercial fishing and recreational boating, supporting local businesses and attracting visitors. Manufacturing also matters, with companies like Simplicity Manufacturing and Quad/Graphics maintaining major operations in the area. The growing tourism sector, fueled by the city's scenic waterfront and historic attractions, contributes to a local economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin receive election services through the Ozaukee County Clerk's Office at 121 West Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074. Reaching the office at (262) 284-8110, residents can access information about registration, polling sites, sample ballots, and results. The office website at www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/countyclerk centralizes election resources. As chief election official for county, state, and federal contests conducted locally, the Ozaukee County Clerk ensures smooth administration across all electoral events.
Wisconsin residents register to vote online through MyVote Wisconsin at https://myvote.wi.gov, maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Online registration closes 21 days before any election. The state also permits Election Day registration at polling places, requiring proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or similar document showing current name and address. Photo identification is mandatory when voting. Acceptable IDs include Wisconsin driver's licenses or state ID cards, U.S. Passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, and certain other government-issued credentials. Through MyVote, voters check registration status, locate polling places, view sample ballots, track absentee ballots, and access additional services. As an incorporated city, Port Washington holds municipal elections for mayor, common council, and other local offices. The mayor serves three-year terms, with the latest mayoral election in April 2024. Common Council alderpersons represent different districts, also serving three-year staggered terms. Wisconsin schedules most municipal elections on the first Tuesday in April during odd-numbered years, with February primaries when necessary. Candidate details and local ballot measures specific to the city are available through the City Clerk's office at City Hall and the Ozaukee County election website before each contest. Residents find their assigned polling location by entering their address at https://myvote.wi.gov. The site displays the polling place address, hours (typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day), and accessibility details. Ozaukee County maintains multiple polling sites throughout the area, with local voters assigned to locations within city limits based on ward designation. Wisconsin's public records law makes extensive election data publicly accessible. Voter registration lists can be inspected and purchased for lawful election related purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees appear in the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS) at https://cfis.wi.gov, documenting contributions and expenditures for state and local races. Candidate registration materials and nomination papers constitute public records held by appropriate election officials. Precinct-level results are published after each election through both Ozaukee County Clerk and the Wisconsin Elections Commission website at https://elections.wi.gov. During the November 2024 presidential election, Ozaukee County recorded strong turnout consistent with historical patterns, reaching approximately 77-80% of registered voters. The county has traditionally demonstrated high civic engagement, frequently exceeding state averages. Wisconsin will elect its Governor (four-year term), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, all 99 Wisconsin State Assembly seats, and odd-numbered State Senate districts (17 of 33 seats). One U.S. Senate seat will appear on the ballot in 2026 (the seat with a term expiring in January 2027). County voters will also elect the County Executive (if that term expires in 2026), County Board supervisors, and potentially other county constitutional officers depending on term schedules. City offices on the 2026 ballot depend on the electoral cycle; any council seats or mayoral term expiring in April 2026 would be decided in spring elections. Wisconsin voters may request absentee ballots for any reason. Requests can be submitted online through MyVote Wisconsin at https://myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office. For local residents, the Port Washington City Clerk at City Hall, 100 West Grand Avenue, handles absentee ballot requests. Completed ballots may be returned by mail (must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day), in person to the clerk's office during early voting hours, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin offers in-person absentee voting (early voting) beginning 14 days before elections at locations designated by the municipal clerk. Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, or disability can request permanent absentee status.
Public Records Resources for Port Washington, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Port Washington, Wisconsin and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us,.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org,.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Wisconsin Criminal Records and Background ChecksWisconsin online criminal history record check system.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee OfficeFind resources for criminal background checks, criminal records.
- Wisconsin Inmates and Offenders SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections.
- Wisconsin Sex OffendersSearch the WI Dept. of Corrections database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Wisconsin Most WantedSearch the most wanted fugitives and absconders by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
- Wisconsin State PatrolLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- Wisconsin Division of Natural ResourcesLicenses, permits, information and more
- Wisconsin Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- Wisconsin Court Records AccessDirect access to Wisconsin courts access online, from county to Supreme courts.
- Wisconsin Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the WI Dept. of Health Services.
- Wisconsin Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the WI Department of Financial Institutions.
- Wisconsin Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Port Washington, Wisconsin?
To register to vote in Port Washington, Wisconsin, residents can register online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website, by mail, or in person at the Ozaukee County elections office. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Port Washington, contact the Ozaukee County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Port Washington, Wisconsin?
Property records for Port Washington, Wisconsin are maintained by the Ozaukee Municipal Assessor's Office and the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Ozaukee County, including parcels in Port Washington. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Wisconsin counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Ozaukee County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Port Washington, Wisconsin?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Port Washington, Wisconsin residents are available through both county and state offices. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records, located in Madison, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ozaukee County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ozaukee 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.