Legal challenge may change election day registration

view as a webpage

Michael Rummel, District 12

September 30, 2016

Blue Subbanner

Election Update: Legal Challenge May Change Election Day Registration

As Lake County and the Lake County Clerk’s Office have been deeply involved in preparing for what is expected to be a healthy turnout for the Nov. 8 election, the Courts have interjected a critical new development that may prohibit in-precinct Election Day registration.

This week, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, responded to a federal lawsuit that challenged the Illinois law allowing counties with a population of 100,000 or more to conduct registration (along with voting) in every precinct polling site on Election Day.  In its decision, the Court ruled that this created a two-tiered system impacting the fundamental right to vote, favoring those individuals who happen to live in more densely populated counties.  As a result, the Court granted the requested preliminary injunction, which prohibits in-precinct Election Day registration in counties with a population in excess of 100,000.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has filed an appeal.  At this point, it is impossible to predict the outcome or the time estimate for a decision.  In the meantime, the Lake County Clerk’s Office assures that voters can register and vote at all 14 Early Voting locations across the county from now through Nov. 7 (the day before Election Day) at 7 p.m. Hours and dates vary at the 14 different locations. See the list.

If the decision is upheld on appeal and the injunction remains, voters will still be able to register at the County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan.  If the injunction is removed, voting and registration will resume as originally planned in all Election Day voting sites on Tuesday, Nov 8. 

For ballot information, voter registration and voting options in the upcoming election, please visit the County Clerk's Office Nov. 8 General Election web page


County Improves Transparency of Projects with New Web Map

Lake County government is investing in various improvement projects across the county – including road, water/sewer and stormwater projects and facility expansion projects like the new court tower in Waukegan. To help residents see and learn about the projects we’re working on, we’ve developed the easy-to-use Lake County Capital Improvement Projects web portal.

capital improvements project web portal

Maps Online Gets A Makeover. Try It Now!

Visit the new Maps Online, which is now easier to use, can be used on any device, including cell phones and tablets, and has more functionality.  One of Lake County’s most frequently visited web applications, Maps Online allows users to search and customize maps to include administrative boundaries, cities, water features, parks, landmarks, highways, buildings and more. Check It Out Today!

Provide Your Feedback: Our GIS Division welcomes comments on the new Maps Online. To provide your feedback, send an email to gis@lakecountyil.gov.

maps online

Transportation “Lockbox” Constitutional Amendment to Appear on November Ballot

When voters go to the polls in November, they will see a proposed amendment to the Illinois State Constitution on the ballot. The amendment will ask voters if all revenues from various transportation-related taxes and fees should only be spent on transportation projects and expenses. If approved, the amendment calls for putting transportation revenue in a “lockbox” that can only be used for transportation purposes.  This would include highway construction and repair, mass transit, enforcing traffic laws, and other transportation expenses such as paying off debt on transportation projects. While protecting against the diversion of transportation funds for other purposes, the proposed constitutional amendment does not provide any new capital funding for transportation in Illinois. It is estimated that Illinois must spend an additional $43 billion on transportation infrastructure in the next ten years to bring highways and bridges into good condition. Learn more


Learn About Scams, Security and More at Senior Law Day

Lake County senior citizens are invited to attend Senior Law Day, an educational forum from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Park City Branch Court. Learn about jury duty and elder law from Lake County judges, and join a discussion on how to avoid criminal scams with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office also will address security in your home, on your computer or in the courthouse. Learn more


Leaders Join Walgreens to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse

Local and state elected leaders recently joined Walgreens Regional Vice President Joe Willey to unveil one of three safe medication disposal kiosks in Lake County. The Walgreens’ Safe Medication Disposal Program in Lake County is designed to give residents a better method to dispose unused or expired medications. Watch now

drug disposal boxes

All Aboard! See What Metra is Working on in Lake County

Metra

Chairman Aaron Lawlor took the County Update show on the railroad! Metra takes passengers on about 750 trains per day along three lines across Lake County. In this episode of County Update, we talk with a representative of the Metra Board of Directors who represents Lake County. Watch now


Forest Preserve Logo

Forest Preserve News

Join the Colossal Cup
Join the fun as two-player teams compete for prizes Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. The colossal cup size is double the standard cup, so putts will sink with ease and your score will drop with it. Learn more.

countryside golf club
Des Plaines River Trail

Take the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge
Travel the entire 31.4 miles of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) by Nov. 30 and be rewarded. The final section of the DPRT was completed in 2015 and now spans the length of the county. Help celebrate this amazing gem by using it. Bike it. Boat it. Walk it or run it. Or, you can make a donation to help the Forest Preserves keep it clean and safe. Learn more


Take a Tour of the Courthouse Expansion Project

The new Lake County Courthouse will be eight stories tall and is expected to be completed in spring 2018. This expansion is designed to help increase efficiency of the justice system and help the county prepare for population growth. Watch this video to take a tour, and see the progress being made on the expansion project.

courthouse expansion

Community News

Lake Forest hosts inaugural Oktoberfest
Join Lake Forest’s inaugural Oktoberfest, featuring live bands, German food, games and more from 1:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Deerpath Community Park. Details

Join Highland Park's pancake breakfast and open house
Bring an appetite for fun and pancakes as the Highland Park Fire Department hosts its pancake breakfast and open house from 7:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 9 at Fire Station 33, 1130 Central Ave. Check out demonstrations, a firefighter clothing display, and tour the training smoke house. Learn more

Deerfield's annual proposed budget is available online
The Village of Deerfield's proposed 2017 budget is now on display for review. Committee of the Whole meetings for the 2017 Fiscal Year budget have been scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1, and 6 p.m. Oct. 13. View the Village of Deerfield’s proposed annual budget.


passage

SWALCO

Quick Links

Connect with Lake County

Open Gov/Board Meeting Agendas

Transportation 

Elections/Voting 

Job Center of Lake County 

Lake County Forest Preserves 

Visit Lake County 

Lake County Partners 


Forest Preserve Icon

Community Links

Highland Park
Deerfield
Lake Forest 


Visit Lake County