Who Can Vote?

All citizens of the United States 18 years old by the election date who have resided in the precinct for 30 days prior to the election and are properly registered are eligible to vote in any national, state, or local election.

When to Register

Voter registration is open any time up to 28 days preceding an election. This break allows time for the voter files to be prepared for the election. During this time, no new registrations, changes of addresses, or other administrative changes can be made to the voters' files. Registration reopens the second day after the election.

Where to Register

Lake Bluff Village Hall, 40 East Center Avenue, (847) 234-0774
Shields Township, 906 Muir Avenue, Knollwood, (847) 234-0802
Office of the County Clerk, County Courthouse, Waukegan, (847) 377-2400
Lake Forest City Hall, 220 East Deerpath, Lake Forest, (847) 234-2600

Absentee Voting

Applications for absentee ballots for voters who will be away on election day, who are members of the armed forces, or who are physically handicapped may be obtained from the above sources. An absentee ballot may be obtained not more than 30 days or less than 5 days before the election. See the Lake County Clerk's web site for more information.

Early Voting

Offsite voting locations offer early voting to any registered voter, for any reason (early voters do not have to fulfill the criteria for absentee voting). Early voting begins 22 days before Election Day and runs through the Thursday before Election Day. Offsite voting locations will continue to offer absentee voting during the two days after early voting concludes. Voters are required to present a valid Illinois driver’s license, an Illinois identification card issued by the Secretary of State, or any other government-issued identification document containing their photograph, name, and address.

Election Calendar

Even-Numbered Years

General Primary Election: 3rd Tuesday in March
- Nominate Candidates for: Federal, State, and County offices
- Elect: Precinct committeemen
General Elections: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
- Nominate Candidates for: Federal, State, and County offices
- Elect: Federal, State, and County offices

Odd-Numbered Years

Consolidated Primary Election: Last Tuesday in February
- Nominate Candidates for: Municipal and Township offices
Consolidated Election: 1st Tuesday in April
- Elect: Municipal, Township, Park District, Library District, School Board, Community College, and Regional School Board offices