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The Lake County Clerk's office provides courtesy reference materials for those considering placing a public question (referendum) on the ballot. The two primary methods for placing a question before the voters is by resolution of the governing board for a taxing district or by petition signed by voters in the district. Resolutions are certified by the local clerk to the Lake County Clerk. Registered voters' petitions are filed with the local clerk who certifies the question to the Lake County Clerk.

• Information about the Illinois Campaign Disclosure Act requirements for reporting fundraising and expenditures entitled D-5 Notice of Obligation (PDF) (IL State Board of Elections site - PDF Format)
• Information about purchasing voter history in paper form or CD.

When a resolution for a public question has been passed by a governing board and filed with the Lake County Clerk by the local clerk, a ballot proof is sent to the local unit for approval. Please be aware that any revision in the actual referendum text as certified must be adopted by board action and recertified with the Lake County Clerk by the legal filing deadline.

Specific questions about legal requirements for preparing a resolution or petition should be referred to competent legal counsel for the local unit of government, as the Lake County Clerk's office cannot give legal advice.

For more information, read the Lake County Clerk's Referendum Filing Brochure (PDF).