Clerk of the Circuit Court

Candidate Free Time is being underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.Candidate Free Time is being underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County.

WTTW’s 2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for Cook County office in the March 15 election. Learn more.

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About this office

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is the keeper of the records of the Court. The Clerk is responsible for serving the court, the legal profession and the general public by recording court decisions and events; handling fines, bail bonds and other financial transactions; and supporting the court system with record storage, microfilming, automation and other services.

The candidates below appear in ballot order.

Democratic Candidates, 4-year term

Jacob Meister

"My vision is a Circuit Court Clerk’s office that operates the court system effectively and efficiently so the focus is on justice instead of bureaucracy." Learn more about this candidate.


Dorothy Brown

"I ask you for your vote, because, in these very serious times, especially for our criminal justice system, it's important that we have a Clerk of Court, that will protect court records for all the people, not just for the privileged few." Learn more about this candidate.


Michelle Harris

"I am a strong community-based advocate who works very hard to improve the lives of Chicago residents. I'm experienced and dedicated to public service. And that's why I am seeking election as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County." Learn more about this candidate.


Republican Candidates, 4-year term

Diane Shapiro

"My vision for this office is to first eliminate the Security Detail and refund all of the money spent on this to the Cook County Coffers. I will accept only a CTA Pass, Metra Pass and gasoline allowance for my personal vehicle only when traveling from courthouse to courthouse." Learn more about this candidate.

About Candidate Free Time

WTTW’s 2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for Cook County office in the March 15 election.

2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary2016 Voters’ Guide to the Primary Every candidate running for a Cook County office was given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. The messages were recorded at the WTTW studios at no cost to the candidates.

The Voters’ Guide is an online version of Candidate Free Time, pioneered by WTTW in the 1992 race for U.S. Senate. This year, we are proud to partner with the League of Women Voters of Cook County to give voters this guide to candidates for Cook County office.


Thanks to our sponsors:

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Thanks to our sponsors:

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