July 2025
Now Available: 2026 Candidate's Guide
Now Available: 2026 Election Petition Candidate Guide
Thinking about running for office in 2026? The Lake County Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Petition Candidate Guide, now available to the public.
This comprehensive guide provides essential information for individuals interested in seeking elected office in Lake County. It includes key dates, filing requirements, petition signature guidelines, and other important resources to help candidates navigate the election process with confidence.
📅 Also included is the 2026 Election Calendar, outlining all major deadlines and milestones—from petition circulation start dates (circulation of petitions start August 5th) to filing periods and election days—so you can plan ahead and stay on track.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a seasoned participant in local government, we encourage you to review the guide early and often to stay informed and prepared.
Have questions? Contact our Elections Department—we’re here to help every step of the way.
Lake County Clerk’s Office – Supporting Democracy, One Election at a Time.
Now Available: 2026 Petition Packets
Running for Office in 2026? Petition Packets Are Now Available!
The Lake County Clerk’s Office has released nominating petition packets for the March 17, 2026, General Primary Election. These packets include all the documents and instructions you need to begin your run for local office.
-
Circulation period: August 5 – November 3, 2025
-
Filing period: October 27 – November 3, 2025
Offices that file with the County Clerk’s Office include: County Board Member, County Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, Regional Superintendent of Schools, North Shore Water Reclamation District Trustee, Precinct Committeeperson, and Lake Forest Alderperson.
_____________________________________________________________________
📋 Offices Up for Election in 2026:
-
Regional Superintendent of Schools
County Board Member Districts:
-
Districts 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19
-
North Shore Water Reclamation District Trustee – Wards 2 & 3
-
Precinct Committeepersons
_____________________________________________________________________
📄 What's Included in the Packet:
-
Statement of Economic Interests form (not required for precinct committeepersons)
-
Certification of Deletions
-
The Clerk’s Office will check filings for “apparent conformity,” but cannot provide legal advice or a detailed review.
-
Nomination papers cannot be amended after filing.
-
The Statement of Economic Interests receipt may be filed with the petition papers and is the only form that may be added to petition papers once they have been filed.
-
Petitions may be challenged, so it’s strongly recommended to consult with a legal counsel before filing.
📍 Need help? District maps are available online and in PDF format to help you verify your district boundaries. For questions or to schedule an appointment to review petition signatures, contact the Voter Services team at 847-377-2410.
The Clerk’s Office is here to support your journey to the ballot!
Getting Married?
 Plan Ahead for Summer Weddings – Don’t Forget Your Marriage License!
Planning to say "I do" this summer? Make sure to add “Get Marriage License” to your wedding checklist! The Lake County Clerk’s Office is here to help you start your journey together the right way.
Couples must apply for a marriage license at least one day before the ceremony, and licenses are valid for 60 days. To avoid any last-minute stress, we recommend applying early—especially during the busy summer season.
Visit our website or call our office to find out what documents you'll need and to schedule your visit. We're honored to be part of your love story—congratulations from all of us at the Lake County Clerk’s Office! 💍
Plan ahead. Be prepared. Celebrate love.
Voter Engagement Survey is Open
 We Want to Hear from You – Voter Engagement Survey Opens July 15th!
Starting, July 15th, the Lake County Clerk’s Office is launching a Voter Engagement Survey to hear directly from our community. The survey will remain open through July 30, and we invite you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts.
Your feedback will help us improve voter outreach, education, and the overall election experience in Lake County.
Click the link in this newsletter or on our website July 15th to take the survey and let your voice be heard—your input matters!
🗳️ Open July 15th through July 30th – don’t miss your chance to participate!
Election Worker Appreciation Brunch
  Second Election Worker Appreciation Brunch – A Remarkable Success!On June 25, we hosted our second Election Worker Appreciation Brunch, and it was truly special—with over 300 dedicated election workers coming together for a delicious morning of gratitude and camaraderie.
Clerk Vega and the Lake County Clerk’s Office had the privilege of recognizing these committed individuals who give their time and energy to ensure every vote counts.
From heartfelt speeches to personal thank-you notes, the event was full of warm moments and appreciation. It was a perfect setting for building connections, sharing best practices, and hearing inspiring stories from the front lines of democracy.
A huge thank-you to all the election workers who joined us—your service is the heartbeat of our electoral process!
Stay tuned for more opportunities to honor and celebrate the extraordinary people who power our democracy. We couldn't do it without you!
Keep Up with the Clerk
 What a busy and rewarding month June has been for Clerk Vega and the team at the Lake County Clerk’s Office! It’s always a privilege to connect with so many wonderful people throughout the community. Here are some of the events we had the honor of attending:
 Pride Fest – We celebrated diversity and inclusion at Pride Fest, where Clerk Vega and our team shared valuable resources on voter registration and civic engagement with attendees from all walks of life.
 Juneteenth Festival – We honored the spirit of freedom and unity at the Juneteenth Festival, joining the community in commemorating this important day in American history and spreading awareness about the importance of civic participation.
    Family Night at Radford Green at Sedgebrook – Clerk Vega and the team enjoyed a heartwarming evening at Family Night, connecting with residents and sharing information about the vital services offered by the Clerk’s Office.
It’s clear that the Lake County Clerk’s Office is making great strides in bringing services and information directly to the community!
Anthony Vega, Lake County Clerk
18 N. County Street, Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
847-377-2400
CountyClerk@lakecountyil.gov
LakeCountyClerk.info
| 
