Rochester, Wisconsin Public Records

The Racine County Economic Development Corporation, headquartered in nearby Sturtevant, provides resources and support to help foster economic growth and development in Rochester and the surrounding region.Spring Street, works to promote the interests of local businesses and the community as a whole.

Voter registration is available online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, which is the central portal for all voter services statewide. Online registration requires a current Wisconsin driver license or state ID card. For those who haven't registered in advance, Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration at polling places on Election Day. Residents need to bring proof of residence, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing their current address, along with photo identification. The state's voter ID law requires all in-person voters to present acceptable photo identification, including Wisconsin driver licenses, state ID cards, U.S. Passports, military IDs, or certain tribal IDs. Municipal elections for village trustees and village president take place in Rochester as part of Wisconsin's spring election cycle. These municipal elections occur in April of odd-numbered years, with the next one scheduled for April 2025. Candidate filing and local ballot measures for village elections are coordinated through the Rochester Village Clerk at 155 North Main Street, Rochester, WI 53167. The office can be reached at 262-534-2211, and candidate information typically appears at www.rochesterwi.us as elections approach. Voters should watch for local notices and village communications about candidates running for village positions and any local referenda on the ballot. Finding your assigned polling place is straightforward through myvote.wi.gov, where residents can enter their address in the polling place lookup tool. The website also provides sample ballots, hours of operation - typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day - and information about accessible voting options. The village typically establishes polling locations at community facilities, with specific locations published before each election. Wisconsin's public records law makes numerous election records publicly accessible. The Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov maintains statewide voter registration data, though individual voter history is restricted. The site also includes campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate registration information, and certified election results. The Racine County Clerk's website publishes precinct-level election results for Rochester after each election, breaking down vote totals by contest and municipality. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the Racine County Clerk and available for public inspection. During the November 2024 presidential election, Racine County saw strong turnout with approximately 68-72% of registered voters casting ballots. Rochester's participation mirrored county trends, with residents deciding the presidential race, U.S. Senate, congressional seats, state legislative positions, county offices, and judicial races. The Racine County Clerk published specific precinct results for Rochester following certification. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in Rochester and throughout Racine County will face several significant contests. Wisconsin holds gubernatorial elections in midterm years, so the 2026 ballot will include the race for Governor of Wisconsin, with the incumbent or candidates seeking a four-year term. The election will also feature Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Ron Johnson, whose term expires in 2027 (pending confirmation of election cycle). State legislative races will include Wisconsin State Senate districts - odd-numbered seats in 2026 - and all 99 Wisconsin State Assembly seats, including the districts serving this community. County-level positions on the ballot will include County Executive, County Board supervisors, constitutional officers such as Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, Register of Deeds, Treasurer if applicable, and potentially county board seats representing Rochester's district. Judicial elections for circuit court judgeships may also appear depending on expiring terms or vacancies. Village-level contests occur in spring odd-numbered years, so the April 2027 spring election would be the next opportunity for municipal races. Wisconsin offers several absentee voting options. Residents can request absentee ballots online through myvote.wi.gov by providing required identification and proof of residence. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted by the Thursday before Election Day for mail delivery, though voters can request ballots in person at the Racine County Clerk's office until the Sunday before Election Day. In-person absentee voting, also known as early voting, is available at designated locations in Racine County, typically beginning two weeks before Election Day. No excuse is required to vote absentee in Wisconsin. Military and overseas voters have special accommodations and extended deadlines under federal law. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day at 8:00 PM to be counted - postmarks are not sufficient under Wisconsin law.