The Cook County Clerk's Office is the chief election authority for more than 120 towns and villages in suburban Cook County. Their website is the perfect place to find key dates and deadlines for the upcoming Presidential Election, information on how to register to vote, the ways voter ballots can be cast, the most current mail ballot FAQs and confirmed drop box locations, and polling places throughout the county. Please visit the Cook County Clerk's website at cookcountyclerk.com for more information.

The first day to circulate petitions for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election is September 22, 2020. The City of Des Plaines will accept nomination papers from candidates for municipal office from December 14, 2020 – December 21, 2020 in the office of the City Clerk, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. The City Clerk’s office will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day during the filing period. For additional information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 847-391-5311.More candidate information can also be found here.

The City of Des Plaines has implemented a supplemental order regarding social distancing and face coverings, directing the community and its visitors to follow CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Order goes into effect at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 29th, and addresses City requirements for both indoor and outdoor activities. An excerpt from the order states, "Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Supplemental Order, persons residing in, doing business in, traveling through, or visiting the City must take the following public health steps to protect their own and their fellow citizens' health and lives..." Read the complete Supplemental Order here.

If you live in Des Plaines and are behind on your utilities, rent, and/or mortgage payments due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the 2020 CARES Act. The City of Des Plaines expects to receive $180,767 of CARE Act funds to assist its low to moderate income residents struggling with basic living expenses. (Please Note: Applicants must reside in incorporated Des Plaines)

If you are a Des Plaines resident who may meet the criteria, please contact one of the following organizations to see if you qualify:

Center of Concern: Call 224.585.0078
Provides rent, mortgage, or utility assistance for up to three months.

Northwest Compass: Call 847.392.2344, EXT. 402
Provides rent assistance for up to three months.