Clay County Clerk & Recorder

08/25/2026

🗳️ Want to serve as an Election Judge? Know the qualifications!

Election Judges help ensure Election Day runs smoothly and fairly. Learn what it takes to serve in your community. 🇺🇸

08/21/2026

Understanding Permanent Vote by Mail and the Option to Opt Out
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As election processes continue to evolve, vote by mail remains an important and convenient option for many Illinois voters. In Clay County, voters who have signed up for the Permanent Vote By Mail program automatically receive a ballot for the political parties and elections they have chosen. This service is designed to make voting more accessible and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate.

However, not every voter enrolled in the program continues to use it. For that reason, the Clay County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to review whether Permanent Vote by Mail still fits their needs—and to consider opting out if it does not.

Under Illinois law, the County Clerk is required to send correspondence prior to a General Election to every registered voter unless that voter has already opted out or is enrolled in the Permanent Vote by Mail program. This mailing requirement ensures voters are informed of their options, but it also comes with a significant cost. Printing, preparing, and mailing notices to all registered voters requires a substantial investment of taxpayer dollars. When voters who are enrolled in Permanent Vote by Mail do not use the ballots sent to them, additional resources are spent unnecessarily.

By choosing to opt out of the program if it is not being used, voters can help the county reduce these costs and make more efficient use of public funds.

At the same time, vote by mail continues to play a vital role in the election process. For many residents, it provides a flexible and reliable way to cast a ballot. If being on the Permanent Vote by Mail list makes voting easier, the Clerk’s Office strongly encourages voters to take advantage of this service.

It is important to note that opting out of Permanent Vote by Mail does not prevent a voter from voting by mail in the future. Applications to receive a mail ballot are always available prior to each election. Voters may also choose to re-enroll in the Permanent Vote by Mail program at any time.

🚫 Voters who wish to opt out have several convenient options. You may drop off your signed form at the County Clerk and Recorder’s office at the courthouse on the first floor or return it by mail to P.O. Box 160, Louisville, IL 62858. Signed forms may also be emailed to [email protected].

📆 The first day for the Clay County Clerk to mail out the notice of the option for permanent vote by mail application to every voter is August 5, 2026. When you receive this notice please complete it and return so we can prepare for the General Election in November by either signing up or opting out.

In addition to voting by mail, several in-person voting options are available:
• Early voting at the Clay County Courthouse begins September 24, 2026
• Voting is available at the courthouse on the Saturday before the election
• Polling places are open throughout the county on Election Day

Voters are encouraged to choose the best method that works for them. Whether by mail or in person, the goal remains the same: to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the election process while also being mindful of taxpayer funds.

08/21/2026

🎓 High school students can make a difference in the 2026 Election!

Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can get involved by becoming a Student Election Judge. 🗳️

You can also pre-register to vote at 16 when getting your driver’s license at the DMV!

Learn more and get involved in your community. 🇺🇸

08/19/2026

First time voting? We’ve got you covered! 🗳️

Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready:
✅ Register to vote
✅ Decide how you’ll vote
✅ Find your polling place or request a vote-by-mail ballot
✅ View a sample ballot
✅ VOTE!

Get election information at elections.il.gov. 🇺🇸

08/14/2026

🔴⚪️🔵 NOTICE: MASS MAILING ALERT 📬

📢 Please share to help us spread the word!

Attention: All voters of Clay County

On August 14, official Vote by Mail application postcards were mailed to any registered voter who is not currently enrolled in the Permanent Vote by Mail program, or those who have not previously opted out of the Permanent Vote by Mail program.

Under Illinois Election Code 10 ILCS 5/19-2.5 & 19.3, County Clerk's are required to send correspondence, prior to a General Election, to every registered voter to ensure voters are informed of their voting options.

‼️Instructions for you:
1. Complete the postcard
2. Sign where indicated
3. Return by mail or in person to our office ASAP

If you wish to opt out of receiving future Permanent Vote by Mail applications, simply mark the option that states "I WISH TO OPT OUT FROM FUTURE VOTE BY MAIL POSTCARD MAILINGS," sign the form and return it. We cannot remove you from the Permanent Vote by Mail application mailing list without your signed authority.

For more detailed information, visit https://claycounty.illinois.gov/uncategorized/permanent-vote-by-mail-postcards/

☎️ If you have any questions, please contact our office at (618) 665-3626.

Amy Britton
Clay County Clerk

08/13/2026

🗳️ Don’t sit this one out!

Make sure you’re registered and ready to make your voice heard. Check your voter registration or register to vote at ova.elections.il.gov.

Your vote matters. Make a plan to vote! 🇺🇸

07/27/2026

Key dates to know:
📬 Aug 5 – Vote by Mail applications open
📅 Sept 24 – Early Voting & mail ballots begin
⏳ Oct 6 – Voter registration deadline
🖥️ Oct 18 – Online registration closes
📮 Oct 29 – Last day to apply for Vote by Mail
✅ Nov 3 – Election Day
Make a plan. Be ready. Vote! 🇺🇸

07/13/2026

06/23/2026

Happy Shark Week!
🦈 Be the apex voter.
In the wild, sharks rule. In democracy, informed voters do.
Stay engaged. Stay powerful.
🗳️