January 2025
Happy New Year, Lake County!
 At the Lake County Clerk’s Office, we are filled with gratitude for your trust and partnership throughout 2024. Your participation in the democratic process, your commitment to civic engagement, and your shared vision for a brighter future continue to inspire us.
In 2025, we look forward to serving you with even greater purpose as we prepare for important elections, enhance our services, and ensure that every voice in our community is heard. Whether you're registering to vote, looking for a copy of your birth certificate, obtaining a copy of your deed, applying to vote by mail, or visiting one of our polling locations, we are here to support you every step of the way.
As you set your personal and professional goals for the year, consider making civic engagement part of your resolutions. Encourage your friends and family to register to vote, volunteer in your community, or simply stay informed about local events and issues. Small actions can lead to big changes when we all work together.
From our team to yours, we wish you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, and success. May 2025 be a year of growth, connection, and progress for all.
Happy New Year, Lake County! Let’s make it a great one together.
November 5, 2024, General Election Summary Report Now Available
 We’re thrilled to share our Election Summary Report for the November 5, 2024, General Election!
This comprehensive report highlights the incredible teamwork, planning, and dedication that go into running elections in Lake County. It provides an inside look at every step of the process, from voter registration and early voting to ballot tabulation on Election Night.
At the Lake County Clerk’s Office, we’re committed to promoting transparency and building confidence in our democratic system. This report is an evolving resource designed to give you a clear and detailed view of how elections are administered.
Ready to dive in? Click the link below to view the full report:
View the Election Summary Report Here!
Thank you for being part of the democratic process and for trusting us to serve you. Your voice matters, and we’re honored to help make it heard!
Important Dates and Deadlines for the February 2025 Consolidated Primary Election & April 2025 Consolidated Election
With two important elections in 2025, it’s time to start planning! Whether you’re voting in the February 25, 2025, Consolidated Primary Election or the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election, here are a few key dates to keep in mind:
2025 Consolidated Primary Election (North Chicago and Waukegan)
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Thursday, January 16, 2025:
Early voting begins at the County Clerk’s Office. Vote-by-mail ballots can also start being mailed to voters who applied.
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Monday, January 20, 2025:
Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025:
Last day to register to vote with a mail-in application or deputy registrar.
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Sunday, February 9, 2025:
Last day to register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
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Monday, February 10, 2025:
Early voting expands countywide.
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Thursday, February 20, 2025:
Last day for the election authority to receive, by mail, an application for a vote by mail ballot and mail that ballot to the voter.
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Monday, February 24, 2025:
Final day for in-person early voting.
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Tuesday, February 25, 2025:
Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2025 Consolidated Election (All of Lake County)
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Friday, March 7, 2025:
Early voting and Grace Period registration begins at the County Clerk’s Office. Vote-by-mail ballots start mailing to voters who applied including UOCAVA voters (military and overseas).
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Sunday, March 16, 2025:
Online voter registration closes.
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Monday, March 17, 2025:
Early voting expands countywide.
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Thursday, March 27, 2025:
Last day for the election authority to receive, by mail, an application for a vote by mail ballot and mail that ballot to the voter.
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Monday, March 31, 2025:
Last day for in-person early voting.
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Tuesday, April 1, 2025:
Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Stay informed and prepared—your voice matters! Visit the Lake County Clerk’s Office website for more information.
Special Hours for January 17th and 20th
 To ensure we continue providing exceptional service to Lake County residents, The Lake County Clerk’s Office will close at noon on Friday, January 17th, for staff professional development. While our main office will close early, please note that voting at the Lake County Courthouse will remain open during their regular hours to serve voters.
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, both the Lake County Clerk’s Office and voting at the Lake County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, January 20th.
We encourage voters to plan accordingly for these changes and take advantage of the Early Voting schedule before and after the holiday.
Resources for New and First-Time Voters
Voting for the first time is an exciting milestone and an essential way to participate in shaping your community, state, and nation. Whether you're just turning 18 or voting for the first time later in life, it’s normal to have questions about the process. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve gathered key resources and tips every new voter should know.
Step 1: Register to Vote
Before you can cast your ballot, you’ll need to register to vote. Here’s how:
Check your voter registration status via Lake Voter Power to ensure your information is up-to-date.
Step 2: Learn About Voting Options
First-time voters often wonder where and how they can vote. In Lake County, you have several options:
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Vote by Mail: Apply for a vote-by-mail ballot and vote from the comfort of your home.
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Early Voting: Visit any early voting location in Lake County to cast your ballot before Election Day.
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Election Day Voting: Find your assigned polling place and vote in person on Election Day.
Step 3: Educate Yourself on the Ballot
Being informed is just as important as casting your vote. Visit trusted resources like BallotReady or Lake Voter Power to review sample ballots, research candidates, and learn about referendum questions.
Step 4: Know Your Rights
As a voter, you have rights to ensure your experience is fair and accessible. These include:
- The right to vote if you’re in line when the polls close.
- The right to request assistance if you need help voting.
- The right to a provisional ballot if your eligibility is questioned.
If you encounter any issues, election judges or poll workers are there to help.
Voting for the first time is a meaningful way to make your voice heard. By preparing ahead, staying informed, and taking advantage of available resources, you can make the process smooth and enjoyable. Welcome to the voting community—we’re excited to have you! For more details and updates, visit the Lake County Clerk’s Office website. Let’s make your first voting experience a great one!
We're Now on Bluesky!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Lake County Clerk’s Office is now on Bluesky! Stay informed and connected with us as we share updates, important dates, and essential information tailored just for you.
Follow us today at @lakecountyclerk.bsky.social and never miss a beat. Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!
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2024 Lake County Cares Campaign
 Each year, Lake County participates in a workplace giving campaign through United Way of Lake County, called Lake County Cares. The 2024 campaign ran from November 12–22, offering employees the choice of over 1,000 nonprofit organizations to support.
We’re thrilled to announce that there was an increase in donor participation compared to last year. Contributions to the campaign will directly support programs aimed at improving education, financial stability, and health for individuals and families in our community.
To celebrate this increase in participation, our very own Juan Lopez was the lucky donor from the Lake County Clerk's Office who earned the honor of tossing a pie in County Clerk Vega’s face—a sweet moment to celebrate the success of the campaign!
Thank you for making a difference in Lake County. Together, we are creating a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community!
Anthony Vega, Lake County Clerk
18 N. County Street, Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
847-377-2400
CountyClerk@lakecountyil.gov
LakeCountyClerk.info
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