Monica Gordon serves as Cook County Clerk, bringing years of public service, community leadership and professional experience to an office that serves millions of Cook County residents. She was elected County Clerk in November 2024 after serving as Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District from 2022 to 2024.

Born on Chicago’s West Side and a Southland resident since 2001, Monica’s career has spanned government, higher education, healthcare and community advocacy. Before becoming County Clerk, she served as 5th District Commissioner, Board Chair of Prairie State College, Government Affairs Director for Chicago State University and Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.

Her experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries helped shape her understanding of healthcare access and the challenges facing working families. During her time on the Cook County Board, her work included healthcare, violence prevention, infrastructure and equity in County services.

Monica holds a Master of Arts in Communication & Training from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Northern Illinois University.

Today, as Cook County Clerk, she oversees an office responsible for elections in suburban Cook County as well as vital records, real estate and tax-related records, ethics filings and other essential public services.

Serving Cook County

Since taking office as Cook County Clerk in December 2024, Monica Gordon has focused on modernizing the Clerk’s Office, strengthening election administration and making essential government services more accessible to Cook County residents.

What She’s Accomplished

Strengthening Election Security & Operations
The Clerk’s Office has introduced new technology and security measures across suburban Cook County elections, including automated Smart Ballot Drop Boxes with surveillance and ballot-tracking capabilities, enhanced GPS tracking of election equipment and a new Election Management System designed to improve real-time reporting and Election Day operations.

Engaging the Next Generation of Voters
Monica launched the Defenders of DA’mocracy High School Early Voting Program, bringing real early voting directly to participating suburban Cook County high schools while training students to serve as certified election judges. In its first implementation, 24 high schools participated, 126 students were trained as election judges and more than 1,100 ballots were cast at the school voting sites. The initiative received national recognition from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Modernizing the Clerk’s Office
The office has continued replacing outdated systems and improving the technology behind everyday services. Modernization efforts include a new in-house cashiering system for Vital Records designed to strengthen controls, reporting, reconciliation and security, with plans to extend the platform to additional Clerk’s Office operations.

The Work Continues

Monica’s current priorities include protecting the security and integrity of suburban Cook County elections, expanding voter access and reliable election information, improving the resident experience with Clerk services, and continuing to modernize the technology and systems that support elections, Vital Records, property and tax records, and other essential services.

The Clerk’s Office is also continuing work to address operational and customer-service challenges within Vital Records, including staffing, processing delays, technology upgrades and service delivery at suburban locations.

Moving Forward

Monica intends to continue the initiatives begun during her first term, including investments in election security and technology, modernization of Clerk operations, expanded civic engagement and improvements to how residents access Clerk services.

The focus remains on carrying forward these ongoing initiatives and the responsibilities of the Cook County Clerk’s Office while serving residents throughout suburban Cook County.