view as a webpage

May 2019

Thank you, Election Workers

Election administration is complicated and requires a knowledgeable, detail-orientated team of workers.  For the April election, over 1200 people were recruited and trained to work as election judges, student election judges, site managers, technical representatives, and other election specialties. Our workers are your neighbors, family members, or co-workers. We thank them for ensuring the election was conducted fairly, and your vote was counted accurately.  

Before, during, and after the election, many local government buildings, schools, churches, park districts, and businesses graciously opened their doors for our election worker training and election material delivery. Several locations also served as voting sites and post-election transfer stations.

The cooperation and cohesiveness exhibited during this election was outstanding. Together as a community, we provide our citizens a safe, accurate, and technologically advanced election.

As always, an Election is the Heart of Democracy!

June is the Month Named for Love!

The month of June derives its name from Juno, the Roman goddess. Summer ceremonies might be popular today because of the blessing that this goddess bestowed on those joined in the month bearing her name. It was thought that couples who had a June ceremony would be blessed with prosperity and happiness.

If you plan to have a marriage or civil union ceremony in Lake County, couples must:

• Appear in-person and together at the Lake County Clerk’s Waukegan office at least one day before the ceremony (License is valid for 60 days)
• Be 18 years of age or older (16 and 17-year-olds may marry with parental written consent)
• Be single and free to marry
• Present valid identification with name as it will appear on your license
• Provide proof of age
• Supply information about your last legal relationship to include ending date and place of event (If date is within 6 months, you must provide a certified copy of the order)

Fees

• $35 for license
• $10 first certified copy
• $4 each additional copy

If you need more details, visit our website or call our pre-recorded information line 847-377-2401 that answers the most commonly asked questions.

Popular Baby Names in Lake County

If you are expecting a baby and need some suggestions for your child's name, Lake County Clerk O’Connor thought these names could be among the contenders for your new arrival. Based on research from our Lake County's birth records, these names topped the list for the most popular children's' names last year.   Isabella - Hebrew, Italian, Spanish, and American for Devoted to God Olivia   - Latin, Spanish, Swedish, American for Olive, symbol of peace Sophia - Greek, American for Wisdom Benjamin - English, Hebrew, American meaning son of the right hand Liam - Gaelic, German, Irish and American means helmeted defender William - English, French, German, American for resolute protector

Lake County Property Tax Bills

The Treasurer's office will mail the Lake County property tax bills during the first week of May. Payments can be made in two installments that are due on June 6 and September 6.

You can pay in-person at the Treasurer's Waukegan office, at selected local banks, by mail, online, by phone, or electronically. For detailed payment option information, visit the Treasurer’s website.

While it’s too late to protest your current bill, check the Treasurer’s website for tax relief or exemption program eligibility for your future tax bills.

Distribution of your Lake County Property Tax Dollars

Zion Senior Resource Day, April 17

Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor and staff members, Kathy Ryan-Bruner and Iso Hernandez, visited with almost 200 people who attended the Zion Senior Resource Day.

Besides inspiring seniors to join our community of election workers, Clerk O'Connor encouraged attendees to write a note of thanks to the servicemen who will be on the next Lake County Honor Flight.

New, Free Website Makes Property Tax Information More Accessible and Transparent

Lake County has launched a new website, tax.lakecountyil.gov, that is a free and easy-to-use searchable property records database centralizing all county property information into one online resource. The website was a multi-year plan and the result of the teamwork of Lake County’s Chief County Assessor, Treasurer, County Clerk, and Information Technology departments.

You can find tax summaries, property history, exemptions, permits, sketches, sales history, and a host of other property characteristics for any Lake County property by searching just with an address, the owner’s name, or the property’s PIN number. Previously, you had to hunt through several web pages and call different county offices to collect all the property tax information you needed. Each year, your most current tax bill information will be posted on the new website after the Treasurer’s office prints and mails your property tax bill through the U.S. Post Office.  

"This is an example of how offices can work together to not only provide a better service to Lake County residents, but to be more transparent with our operations," explained Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor.

Memorial Day Observance

The Lake County Clerk’s office will be closed on Monday, May 27, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday. Memorial Day began as Decoration Day in 1868 and paid tribute to Civil War soldiers by adorning their graves with flowers. Currently, we know this American holiday as a time to honor all the U.S. military men and women who gave their lives while protecting our freedom. Words cannot describe our thankfulness for all their sacrifices.

Question of the Month

Lake County Clerk O'Connor is interested in hearing your opinion. What was your first voting experience like? Please take a moment to send us an email of 200 words or less describing your experience when you voted for the first time. Send your thoughts to Lake County Clerk O'Connor at countyclerk@lakecountyil.gov before Tuesday, May 28.  She wants to hear what you think.

Responses for April’s Question of the Month

Last month's question was "What three things does the League of Women Voters do for you?" Lake County Clerk O'Connor thanks everyone who responded and wanted to share her favorite replies.

"Being a member of the League of Women Voters has raised my awareness of so many issues that our country needs to work on. The members are so well informed, and you can learn so much from them. Being a member of the League, you learn how to approach one’s elected officials, how to study issues, and the best means for advocating for your position. The League works on a broad range of issues - from assuring easy voting opportunities, prison reform, equal educational opportunities, environmental concerns, reducing gun violence, and health availability, to discussing the value of abolishing the electoral college. My voice found a home at the League. I have so enjoyed working with people who are actively involved in the world and working to make our country a place where everyone can succeed. The League is an exciting organization to be a part of." - Connie

"The League of Women Voters educates voters on the candidates and issues that are important to the community. It does not support individual candidates but allows voter to come to forums to hear for themselves.

The League of Women Voters has programs that provide for discussion of timely topics that impact everyone.

The League of Women Voters advocate for change in policies after much studying and discussion." - Diane

Disclaimer:

The Lake County Clerk's office reserves the right to edit comments. We request that all responses refrain from partisan or party agenda content. Be nice, and let's all converse respectfully.

May Office Hours

Robin M. O'Connor, Lake County Clerk
18 N. County Street, Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
847.377.2400

CountyClerk@lakecountyil.gov

LakeCountyClerk.info