Whether you are planning a modern or an old-fashioned, romantic Valentine’s Day ceremony in Lake County, you must first plan to visit our Waukegan office to apply for your license.

Together, the two of you will need to appear in-person, present valid identification, complete an application, and pay for a license before 5 PM on Wednesday, February 13. In Illinois, your marriage license is valid the day after your application is completed, and it can be used during the next 60 days.

In observance of the Lincoln Birthday holiday, we will be open until 5 PM on Friday, February 8 and will be closed all day on Tuesday, February 12. Check our February calendar below to find a date and time that fits your schedule.

To celebrate this month of love, we invite EVERYONE to stop in our office to take your own Valentine's Day selfie in front of our holiday-themed backdrop of pink and red hearts.

We are honored to be a part of your new life together!

More information on requirements and fees for obtaining a license

Voting is your voice. Raise it up!

In the February 2017 primary election, a very small group of people had a very loud voice. A mere 9.13% of the 47,457 eligible Waukegan Township and City of Waukegan voters cast a ballot to nominate their candidates for township highway commissioner, city mayor, and city clerk. 

In this year’s February 26^th primary, only City of Waukegan residents in wards 2, 3, 7, and 8 are eligible to vote, and they will nominate their alderman candidates.

Voting has never been easier as you can vote by mail, early, or on Election Day. Visit our February election page to find registration information, a candidate list, and all your voting options.

Let’s shoot for a higher voter participation than 9%! You must let your voice be heard.

Important Dates for February Primary
February
10         Last day to register online with Illinois State Board of Elections
11 - 25  Early voting at the Lake County Main Courthouse
            Check the February web page for specific dates and hours
21        Last day to request a ballot by mail
26        Election Day
           Grace Registration ends
           Voted by mail ballots must be returned with a postmark dated no later than 2/26

April 2 Consolidated Election

All Lake County qualified citizens may vote in April to elect county-wide officials which include:

• Municipal offices
• Library trustees
• Park district commissioners
• School board members
• Community college trustee
• Regional board of school trustees
• Waterway management agency director
• Fire protection district trustees

We are encouraging all Lake County voters to be informed voters, research your candidates, and vote in the April election. The winning candidates from this election will have the authority to approve budgets, support expenditures, determine school agendas, and consent to district programs which directly influence your property tax bill.

To view a candidate list, request a ballot by mail, or see a list of early voting dates and locations, visit the April election web page.

Voting by Mail

Any Lake County registered voter can choose to vote by mail without needing a qualifying reason. Remember, if you are wintering on a warm, sunny beach or studying away at school, your ballot can be mailed to your temporary alternate address.  

Carefully consider your ballot's mailing address since April's ballots can only be printed after the February primary winners are certified on March 11. Request a ballot by mail.