Office of the Village Clerk

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 bodycommissions in which they may be interested and introduce themselves to the chair and staff liaison to learn more about current activities. More information on the various advisory bodies is posted on this web site - just click here.

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 handles information requests made under the Freedom of Information Act. To access the online FOIA application form, click here.

Any organization wishing to conduct a special event involving public property such as a run, walk or sidewalk sale in Oak Park, must apply for a special event permit and pay a fee - click here to see the fee schedule.

The purpose of the permit is to give the Police and other Village municipals departments the opportunity to consider any public safety issues related to the event.

Applicants may be required to provide an insurance certificate as well as reimburse any expenses incurred by the Village, such as protection, preparation or post-event cleanup. To apply, applicants must complete and file a specific form - click here for the special event application form.

Residents can register to vote in local, state and federal elections during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Online registration is available through the Cook County Clerk’s Office at www.cookcountyclerk.com/agency/register-vote.

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 Public Library, 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 at www.cookcountyclerk.com.

The Village Clerk collects nominating petitions from candidates running for seats on the Village Board, Park District of Oak Park Board and Oak Park Library Board. Individuals who wish to run for the boards of Elementary School 97, High School District 200 or Oak Park Township should contact those governmental offices directly for information on qualifying to be on the ballot and petition filing procedures.

Nominating qualification requirements vary by board, but all seats require individuals to collect the signatures of a percentage of registered voters on nominating petitions to earn a place on the ballot.

The links below are provided for information purposes only.  Candidates should consult with legal counsel regarding election matters. The Village Clerk’s office cannot recommend an attorney or give legal advice on these matters.

• 2019 Information for Candidates (Cook County Clerk’s Office)
• 2019 Local Election Officials Handbook (State Board of Elections)
• Illinois State Board of Elections Publications