What Is VOTE Lake Bluff?
By Megan Paszczykowski, with contributions from Paul Blahunka and Jan Schnobrich
You may have noticed yellow VOTE Lake Bluff signs sprouting on lawns around town. They aren’t promoting a particular candidate. They’re promoting a process. VOTE Lake Bluff is an open, nonpartisan, all-volunteer organization designed to give residents a chance to meet and hear from people interested in serving on the local boards that make many of the decisions closest to home: the Village of Lake Bluff, Lake Bluff Library, Lake Bluff Park District, District 65 and District 115. Its Town Meetings are open to registered voters in the relevant districts. VOTE Lake Bluff Chair Paul Blahunka, who provided background for this story along with Lake Bluff resident Jan Schnobrich, describes the goal as creating a “one-stop shopping” experience for local civic participation.
The current system grew out of Lake Bluff’s former caucus process, which relied on volunteers conducting candidate interviews and selection meetings. As that system became increasingly difficult to staff and manage, VOTE Lake Bluff emerged as a different way to bring prospective candidates and residents together. The timing matters. The next Consolidated Election is April 6, 2027, when voters will elect representatives to municipal, park, library and school boards. Candidate petitions for that election may be circulated through November 23, with the official filing period running November 16–23, 2026. VOTE Lake Bluff’s Town Meetings are held in November of even-numbered years ahead of the following spring’s Consolidated Election. The organization’s current website says this year’s meetings will take place after the November 3rd general election.
Prospective candidates have a forum to introduce themselves and interact with residents. Community members can hear from them, ask questions about local concerns and vote for the candidates they prefer. Candidates can also collect signatures on the nominating petitions required to appear on the ballot. The purpose of these meetings is to allow residents to meet candidates, participate in Q&A and vote on endorsements for local boards. Before the meetings, VOTE Lake Bluff asks the participating boards to identify some of their most pressing challenges. Those priorities, along with questions from residents, help guide the discussion.
VOTE LAKE BLUFF TOWN MEETINGS @LAKE BLUFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 10 · 6:30 p.m. Village & Library candidates
Wednesday, November 11 · 6:30 p.m. Park District & District 65 candidates