Early Voting Starts 

As of Thursday, February 5, early voting is officially open at the Lake County Clerk’s Office! It also marks the first day ballots are being mailed to voters who requested vote by mail. Residents can learn more about voting at the Lake County Clerk’s website.

The Lake County Clerk's Office is issuing important guidance regarding recently implemented changes by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that may affect voters who plan to use vote by mail for upcoming elections. As part of nationwide adjustments to postal operations under the USPS "Delivering for America" plan, the Postal Service has clarified how postmarks are applied to mail pieces, including vote by mail ballots. Under updated guidelines, the date printed on a postmark may reflect when mail is first processed at a USPS facility rather than the date it was deposited in a mailbox. This adjustment, which took effect in the middle of the 2025 holiday season, could mean that mail pieces, including vote by mail ballots, may receive a later date stamp than the date on which the voter mailed them.

What this means for Lake County Voters

As eligibility of a vote by mail ballot in Illinois is determined by the postmark date on the return envelope, the Lake County Clerk’s Office strongly recommends the following: 

• Ensure the return vote by mail ballot envelope is signed and dated. 
• Mail the vote by mail ballot to our office as early as possible.
• Drop off a vote by mail ballot at secure drop box location across Lake County. 
• Request a manual postmark at a USPS retail counter - especially if any voter is returning their vote by mail ballot within one week of Election Day.
• Vote by mail voters should sign up for BallotTrax to track their vote by mail ballot to ensure it was received by the office. Voters can sign up online.  

SWALCO: Go Green on Valentines Day

Show the planet some love this Valentine's Day by composting leftover chocolates and wilted flowers!

Many chocolates (without wrappers) and natural flowers are compostable, as well as other Valentine's desserts such as strawberries and cake. Composting these materials ensures they will break down into nutrient-rich soil instead of ending up in a landfill. Be sure to remove any plastic, ribbons or synthetic decorations before composting. 

Celebrate sustainably and let your Valentine's treats give back to the earth!

Reminder: Clear Sidewalks

After a snowfall or icing event, please remember to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your home as soon as it’s safe to do so. Keeping sidewalks passable helps children walk safely to school or the bus stop and allows neighbors, seniors and others to get around without having to step into the street. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and walkable.

Share Your Experience and Expertise with Shepard Students

Please join Shepard Middle School to celebrate and showcase cultures, careers, health and wellness in our Deerfield community. It's an opportunity to show that we are Stronger Together!

WHO: Deerfield community members

WHAT: Share your unique background or professional journey with 6th-8th grade students.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13 at Shepard Middle School

Sign up today! You'll hear from the organizers by April 15 about the schedule and details.