Ellen S. Gussin, Clerk
clerk@morainetownship.org
Welcome! As the Clerk of Moraine Township, I serve our busy Township in a variety of capacities.
As Clerk to the Board of Trustees, I am responsible for developing and posting the agendas, transcribing and posting the minutes, and maintaining accurate records of all other Township meeting business including executive sessions, special meetings, proclamations, resolutions and other special notices. Meeting notices and agendas are posted online, at the Township Office, in the local newspaper, and at the City Halls of Highwood and Highland Park. Members of the public are always welcome at our meetings – both the fourth Thursday at 7:30 PM as well as the second Thursday, when we meet at 5 PM, at the Township Office at 777 Central in Highland Park.
As Clerk, I am also the local election authority, responsible for accepting petitions concerning local elections and/or referendums concerning the Township or any entities within it. The Clerk also oversees local Voter Registration. Early Voting and in-person Absentee Voting are now located for most residents at the North Shore Health Center in Highland Park. All are explained in greater detail further down this page under individual subheads.
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Additional Clerk Responsibilities
- Administer oaths for such events as newly installed members of the Board, Assessor or Chair of Annual Meeting
- Take affidavits, as required by law
- Maintain all Township records (except for General Assistance case records, which are kept in the strictest of confidence within the Supervisor's Office) including overseeing the review, storage and disposal of records in accordance with Illinois state statute
- Offer free notary service
- Convener of the Annual Town Meeting the first Tuesday evening of every April
- Non-voting member of the Board of Trustees except in the case of a tie vote to fill a vacancy on the Township Board
- Certify annually to the County Clerk the amount of taxes required to be raised for all Township purposes, as required by state statute and local ordinance.
- File with the office of the County Clerk a list of all Township officials elected or appointed
Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve. Please call me with questions or concerns.
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REGISTER TO VOTE AT MORAINE TOWNSHIP
Voting is an important right for all residents of the United States. Voter Registration is available at the Township Office during regular business hours, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at 777 Central Avenue, Highland Park.
To register to vote, bring two forms of identification–one with your name and current address. You must be a United States citizen, 18 years old by the next election (a 17-year-old can register as long as his/her birthday is on or before the date of the next election) and have resided in the voting precinct for 30 days prior to the next election.
We encourage all of our young adults turning 18 this year to come in and fill out the registration application, as well as all newcomers to our community.
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Address changes can also be processed by the Township Office. Bring two pieces of valid ID (one with your current address). Complete and sign a Change of Address card, and we will submit it for you to the County Clerk's Office.
Voter registration increased to an all time high of 405,041 (in time for the November, 2008 election), in all of Lake County–undoubtedly bumping the reported average of 1,200 new applications processed by the County each week during the previous period.
Voter turnout Over 300,000 votes were cast in Lake County in the 2008 Presidential election, representing a voter turnout of over 74%. In Moraine Township, the turnout was closer to 80-90% in each precinct! (See Presidential election map.)
Statistics are less impressive for recent local elections: the April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election turnout was just under 22% in Lake County, but Moraine Township voter turnout was slightly higher, almost 26%. (See April 2009 map.)
Make sure you and everyone in your family are each registered to vote at their current address.
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For detailed voter and election services information, contact the County Clerk's office at 847-377-2314 or go to the County Clerk's website at http://lakecountyil.gov/countyclerk/default.htm
Click HERE for access to all Lake County voter services information
Click HERE for voter registration information
Click HERE to check your voter status ("Am I Registered?")
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ELECTION INFORMATION
The Early Voting law implemented since February, 2008, has been a win-win for the State and all its residents. It is conducted at the Lake County Department of Health, North Shore Health Center, located at 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. The Health Center provides easy access with ample parking to a central location serving all City of Highland Park and Moraine Township residents (except for Lake Forest/see below).
Click HERE for detailed current and past election results.
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Future Election Dates
Next up on the election calendar is a General Primary Election on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, followed by a General Election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. See Lake County Clerk's calendar page.
Early and Absentee Voting calendars for forthcoming elections will be published as soon as they are determined.
Early Voting is available to any registered voter. Unlike absentee voting, no reason is needed to qualify.
Visit the AmIRegistered County web page to confirm your registration status in Lake County. Go to their Voter Registration Application page for online registration or call the County Clerk's office at (847) 377-2410 or Moraine Township (847) 432-3240 for more information about voter registration.
Voters who expect to be away from Lake County on Election Day, students temporarily away at school and disabled voters all qualify under Illinois law to vote an absentee ballot. Others who may vote absentee include law enforcement officers, election workers, empanelled jurors, and pre-trail detainees.
If not absentee voting locally, send your absentee ballot request to absentee@lakecountyil.gov or call (847) 377-2406. Visit the Lake County Clerk's website at www.lakecountyil.gov/countyclerk to click on the Related Links like Voting by Mail or request an Absentee Ballot online and for more information.
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All Early Voting and in-person Absentee Voting is held at the North Shore Health Center, 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, for all voters in the City of Highland Park and Moraine Township, with the exception of Moraine Township voters who reside in Lake Forest (Precincts 200 and 201)–who must go to Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Drive, for Early or in-person Absentee Voting. Call 847-377-2406 for more Absentee information.
Lake Forest Precincts 200 and 201 should also note that their Election Day voting site moved in 2008 from Woodlands Academy to Cherokee School, 475 E. Cherokee Road in Lake Forest.
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Election Judges
The County is always actively recruiting Election Day judges. All registered voters who may be interested in this very part-time position are encouraged to find out more about serving your community in this capacity. We invite our youngest voters to consider this activity, too; the energy and adaptability of 18-year-olds is hard to beat!
Click HERE for detailed information on the duties, training, selection, compensation and more, for Election Judges.
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Polling Information
The voter identification card is your official source document for determining where to vote. Your polling place is determined by your precinct number and is listed on your voter registration card.
Sample Ballots Available On-line
Sample ballots usually will be available online from the County Clerk at the start of absentee voting by clicking on “What’s on My Ballot?”. Their new Voter Services page provides a menu of Election information. Referencing the address on one’s voter card is the simplest way to discover needed information, but the Township Clerk can help you if you can't find what you are looking for. Email the Clerk or phone the office at 847-432-3240.
Click HERE to see a PDF (1.9MB) precinct map of Moraine Township.
Click HERE to discover your precinct by street address.
Click HERE to find polling place locations, addresses and maps.
All polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Days.
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ADA Voting Available in Township Polling Places.
Click HERE for information on ADA Voting (press release).
Click HERE for complete information from the County Clerk.
Useful Phone Numbers for County Clerk Voter Information
Voter Registration - (847) 377-2410
Absentee Voting - (847) 377-2406
Early Voting - (847) 377-2314
Election FAQs information available online at: http://lakecountyil.gov/CountyClerk/Elections/FAQ.htm
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