The Office of the Village Clerk records the proceedings of all Village Board meetings and special meetings; maintains all official legislative records, certifications and the Village seal; and monitors Village compliance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act and Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
The office also serves as the local election authority and registrar for voters and prepares information on violations of Village ordinances. In addition, the office administers the Special Events Ordinance and oversees Village Board advisory commissions which make policy and procedural recommendations to the Village Board.
Clerk Christina M. Waters
Christina M. Waters was re-elected to a second term as Village Clerk in April of 2025. Prior to beginning her first four-year term on May 3, 2021, Christina was Deputy Village Clerk. Christina has years of local municipality experience, and her dedication to serving her community dates to when she was a teenager. While working at the Park District of Oak Park, she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University, and worked her way up to Facility Scheduling and Parks Coordinator, working with individuals and local organizations, including the Cook County Clerk's Office during elections, to provide space to meet their needs. She also oversaw the team of facility attendants who worked throughout the community at the seven community centers, three outdoor sport courts and the seasonal Rehm Park Trains.
Today, she remains involved on the Park District Citizens Committee. Christina joined Village staff in 2017 as the Executive Secretary in Development Customer Services, where she worked with the Parking, Planning, Neighborhood Services, Permits & Business Licensing divisions. She also worked closely with the Aging in Place Commission, Chamber of Commerce and local business districts associations. After a year and a half, she was promoted to the Human Resources Coordinator. In June 2019, she graduated from the Community Works Leadership Lab through the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.
Born and raised in Oak Park, she attended Longfellow Elementary and Oak Park and River Forest High School. Her term expires in April 2029. To contact Clerk Waters, call 708.358.5670 or emailclerkwaters@oak-park.us.
Advisory Boards and Commissions
The Village Board relies on the volunteer efforts of more 200 residents who serve on various advisory boards, commissions and committees. Each commission prepares an annual work plan based on the needs of the Village Board, which may also refer additional projects or issues to these bodies for recommendations.
Most commissions meet one evening each month. Maximum service time is two, three-year terms. Like all public meetings, notices are posted online and at Village Hall and are open to observers.
Any resident considering serving is invited to attend a meeting of any advisory body commissions in which they may be interested and introduce themselves to the chair and staff liaison to learn more about current activities.
Citizen Boards and Commissions Information
Official Records
The Village Clerk is keeper of the Village seal and all official records and certifications. The Clerk's Office serves as the official depository for petitions, bankruptcy notices, liens, releases of lien and insurance claims.
Village Board minutes, ordinances and resolutions may be reviewed at the Clerk's Office in Village Hall. Maps, copies of official records and local ordinances also may be viewed and purchased in the Village Clerk's Office.
The Clerk's Office also manages requests made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act related to municipal legislative records.
FOIA Request Portal
Voter Registration and Elections
Residents can register to vote in local, state and federal elections at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please email Clerk@oak-park.us or call 708-358-5670.
Online registration is available through the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Voter registration requires two types of identification, at least one with the current address. A driver's license or picture ID is preferred, along with an additional item such as a lease or utility bill.
Residents can also register to vote at the Oak Park Township, Cook County Clerk and Illinois Secretary of State offices.
More information about elections, voter registration, absentee voting, filing for candidacy for local office and the electoral process are available from the Cook County Clerk.