The Lake County Board will update its strategic plan next year. This plan serves as a road map for our county government and influences how we prioritize and invest our resources.  Take a look at our strategic plan and read about the progress we’re making. 

As we get ready to update our plan, we want to know what is important to you. Please submit your thoughts and ideas to make our county even better through our “Community Voice” forum. It’s easy to join the conversation by signing in and sharing your ideas for a better Lake County! 

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.

Last 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. 

Fall is here! Featuring 170 lakes and rivers, miles of hiking and biking trails and many family attractions, Lake County is a wonderful place to spend a fall weekend. Check out this list of upcoming events for ideas on how to spend the perfect fall weekend.

Win Four Guest Passes to the Lost Paradise Indoor Waterpark at KeyLime Cove!
Among the county’s fun and exciting attractions is KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort. You could win four guest passes to the Lost Paradise Indoor Waterpark at KeyLime Cove if you tell us your favorite thing about biking in Lake County, and send a picture that shows it! Enter by commenting your answer and attaching a picture on Lake County, IL Government’s original Facebook contest post. Entries will be accepted until 11 a.m. Oct. 17. 

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.

If you’re biking the DPRT Challenge, or enjoy biking any of the Forest Preserve trails, why not take part in this fun contest? Make sure to share your Challenge “selfie stop” photos!

Forest Preserve News