Rice Lake, Wisconsin Public Records

Public safety in Rice Lake is overseen by the Rice Lake Police Department, which is responsible for law enforcement, emergency response, and crime prevention within the city limits. The department's website provides information on filing reports, obtaining police records, and accessing the Wisconsin Department of Justice's statewide criminal history database. The Rice Lake Fire Department also plays a vital role in the community, offering emergency services and fire prevention programs. Residents can stay informed about local crime trends and most-wanted individuals through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's dedicated resources.

Rice Lake voters are served by the Barron County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the city and county. The Barron County Clerk is located at 330 East LaSalle Avenue, Room 2205, Rice Lake, WI 54868 (phone: 715-537-6260, website: www.barroncountywi.gov/county-clerk). Wisconsin residents can register to vote online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Voters can register up to 20 days before an election online, or register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, or other documents showing current name and address. Rice Lake holds municipal elections in the spring of odd-numbered years. The city elects a mayor to a two-year term and seven city council members, with council elections staggered. The next Rice Lake municipal election will occur in April 2025, when voters will elect mayor and certain council seats. Rice Lake residents vote at polling places determined by their ward; voters can look up their specific polling location, view their sample ballot, and check their registration status at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth. Wisconsin law provides broad public access to election records. Voter registration lists are public records available through the municipal clerk or county clerk, though they may not be used for commercial purposes. Campaign finance reports for local, county, and state candidates are available through the Wisconsin Ethics Commission at ethics.wi.gov. Election results by precinct are posted by the County Clerk after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Barron County saw approximately 57% voter turnout, with total votes cast around 27,000 out of approximately 47,000 registered voters. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Rice Lake and Barron County voters will decide several significant races. Wisconsin's gubernatorial election will be held in 2026, with the governor's seat and other constitutional officers on the ballot. All 99 Wisconsin State Assembly seats and approximately half of the 33 State Senate seats will be up for election. At the county level, various Barron County offices including county board supervisors may appear on the ballot depending on district and term schedules. Voters should check the Barron County Clerk's website closer to the election date for a complete list of races and any local referenda. Wisconsin offers absentee voting both by mail and in-person. Voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office. Absentee ballot requests for mail delivery must be received by the Thursday before Election Day. In-person absentee voting is available at the Rice Lake City Clerk's office beginning two weeks before each election. Wisconsin requires voters to provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot by mail for the first time or if they do not have one on file.