Cook County Clerk Gordon Cites Modernization, Election Security Gains in First Year in Office (Chicago, IL) – As 2025 comes to a close, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is highlighting a series of operational, technological and administrative changes she says have modernized the Clerk’s Office and expanded access to services during her first year in office.
In a year-end summary released this week, Gordon outlined initiatives focused on election administration, customer service improvements, digital preservation and workforce inclusion across the office’s divisions, which include election operations, vital records, recording services and real estate and tax functions.
“This first year has been about building systems that are more modern, more secure, and more responsive to the people we serve,” Gordon said in a statement. “These improvements are strengthening the Clerk’s Office today and laying the foundation for better service for years to come.”
Election Operations and Security:
Among the most prominent changes were updates to election administration. The Clerk’s Office oversaw the 2025 Consolidated Elections, adding two new early voting locations in underserved suburban communities and reporting election results in a timely manner, according to the office.
The Clerk’s Office also became the first large election jurisdiction in the country to deploy automated Smart Ballot Drop Boxes equipped with surveillance cameras and ballot-tracking technology. Additional election security measures included the launch of a new Election Management System with real-time reporting dashboards, GPS tracking for more than 1,400 voting supply carriers, and logistical upgrades intended to reduce labor hours on Election Day.
Looking ahead, the office plans to launch a High School Early Voting Pilot Program in the first quarter of 2026 at more than 20 suburban high schools.
Customer Service and Access Improvements:
Gordon’s administration also implemented changes aimed at improving customer service in the Clerk’s Office’s vital records, recording operations, and real estate and tax divisions.
New appointment and queuing systems were introduced at multiple locations, including offices in downtown Chicago and suburban Markham, Maywood and Skokie. The systems allow residents to schedule appointments online, register on site using QR codes, or receive staff assistance, a feature designed to accommodate residents without internet or smartphone access.
The Clerk’s Office also partnered with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to streamline access to vital records needed for REAL ID compliance.
Language access was expanded through the use of Pocketalk translation devices, providing real-time translation in more than 90 languages, while changes to staffing and workflow reduced mail processing times for vital records.
Preserving Historical Records:
One of the largest projects undertaken during Gordon’s first year was a major digital preservation effort involving historic land records. The Clerk’s Office digitized documents dating back more than 150 years, including records from as early as 1871.
According to the office, the project reached 70 percent completion in roughly one-quarter of the contracted timeline and came in under budget. By the end of 2025, more than 36.5 million images and pages had been processed, including bound volumes, maps, microfiche and microfilm.
Officials said the effort will improve public access to records while preserving original documents for long-term use.
Technology and Cost Savings:
The Clerk’s Office received a 2025 National Association of Counties Innovation Award for its in-house development of the Clerk Recording System, which officials say saved millions of dollars in development costs. The system has since been expanded to other divisions, including vital records and real estate and tax services.
Additional technology projects included a new electronic filing portal for tax take notices and updated cashiering systems projected to save approximately $275,000 annually in licensing and management fees.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:
Gordon also emphasized workforce initiatives, including the appointment of the Clerk’s Office’s first Deputy Clerk of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion during her first 100 days in office. The position oversees training and policy efforts aimed at ensuring accessibility and equity across departments.
The office also established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and implemented mandatory training for department heads and managers.
Gordon said the changes reflect an effort to modernize government operations while maintaining reliable service for residents throughout Cook County.
Cook County Clerk Gordon Cites Modernization, Election Security Gains in First Year in Office
