By PF Staff
info@purofutbolonline.com

Waukegan, IL. – The Lake County Clerk’s Office has been awarded an Honorable Mention by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission as part of the 2025 Clearinghouse Awards. The office was recognized in the category of Accessibility for its continued commitment to expanding voter access and strengthening inclusive election services for all voters of Lake County.
The Clearinghouse Awards celebrate innovation and best practices in election administration from jurisdictions across the nation. This year’s competition received nearly 200 submissions, setting a record for participation during an off-year election cycle. The Accessibility category honors programs and initiatives that improve voting access and election information for voters with disabilities and individuals who may encounter barriers to participation.
The Lake County Clerk’s Office earned recognition in part for its innovative annual Voter Experience Event, developed in partnership with Lake County Center for Independent Living. The initiative was created to help young adults with disabilities gain confidence and familiarity with the voting process through a hands-on, interactive experience to explore multiple accessible voting options and identify the tools and methods that best support their independence and ability to successfully cast a ballot on Election Day.
“Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) believes that participating in the election process is one of our greatest civic duties as individual citizens, said Laura Mellon, Youth Leadership Advocate. “As a disability services and rights organization, we firmly believe that communities are stronger when every citizen can participate and we encourage all young adults with disabilities to register to vote and learn about the process and accessible voting tools. LCCIL has a proud history of partnership with the Lake County Clerk’s office in providing information on accessible voting and, in partnership with the Lake County Clerk’s Office, plan to make this opportunity available each year to a new audience of youth with disabilities.”
The success of the initiative was made possible through collaboration with several outstanding community partners and transition programs throughout Lake County, including Mundelein High School/D120 Transitions Center, Antioch Lakes Transition Center, Grant Community High School Transition Program, Zion-Benton Transition Center, Waukegan High School PLACCE, Little City, and Round Lake Area Schools Transition Center.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission,” said Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega. “Accessibility is fundamental to public service and to the integrity of our elections. Our office remains committed to removing barriers, expanding access to election resources, and ensuring every voter in Lake County can fully participate in the democratic process. This initiative would not be possible without the continued partnership with the Lake County Center for Independent Living and transition programs across the county and I would like to thank them for their commitment to our shared goal of empowering young adults with disabilities as they prepare to exercise their fundamental right to vote.”