Union County

Union County is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west and includes portions of the Shawnee National Forest, making it a region of exceptional natural beauty. Notable landmarks include the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a 111-foot-tall illuminated cross visible for miles, and Trail of Tears State Forest, commemorating the forced relocation of Native Americans. The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area is renowned for its ecological significance, particularly the seasonal snake migrations across LaRue Road.

Union County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, timber, and stone quarrying. Key governmental offices include Union County Recorder of Deeds, located at Union County Courthouse at 309 W Market St, Jonesboro, IL 62952, the County Clerk's office at the same address, and the County Assessor's office also housed in the courthouse complex. Union County's unique position along the Mississippi River and its proximity to both Missouri and Kentucky have shaped its cultural and economic development over two centuries.

Within Union County, municipal law enforcement is provided by the Anna Police Department, serving the largest incorporated city in Union County, and the Cobden Police Department. Requests for arrest records, police reports, and booking photos should be directed to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, typically the Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas or the respective municipal police department for city arrests. Union County does not have tribal jurisdiction or special law enforcement zones.

The Illinois State Police District 13 headquarters in DuQuoin also provides support and investigative services to Union County agencies.

The court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding the statutory minimum, divorces, adoption proceedings, estate administration, and guardianship matters. Walk-in public access to court records is available at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Traffic and misdemeanor violations may also be handled at Union County level.

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 9 governs public access to court records, establishing that court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Case files involving juvenile proceedings and certain family law matters may have restricted access under Illinois statute.

The Recorder's office maintains grantor/grantee indices that allow researchers to trace property ownership and encumbrances. While Union County does not currently offer a full online document search portal for recorded instruments, interested parties may request searches in person or by phone during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Property tax information is administered by Union County Clerk and Union County Treasurer offices, also located in the courthouse.

Union County Supervisor of Assessments maintains property assessment records and parcel information for Property tax bills, assessed values, and legal descriptions can be researched through the Assessor's office, though online GIS/parcel viewers are limited for Union County compared to larger Illinois counties. Title searchers, attorneys, and real estate professionals frequently use these records for due diligence in property transactions.

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is typically $15.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously, though fees are subject to change based on Illinois statute. Requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as Illinois vital records law (410 ILCS 535/1 et seq.) restricts access to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented interest. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 E Ridgely Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, also maintains statewide vital records and is a centralized ordering point for records from any Illinois county.

Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Clerk's office, with applications requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of the court that granted the divorce, not the County Clerk.

For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and not-for-profit corporations, the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department maintains the central registry. The Illinois Secretary of State's online business entity search, available at www.ilsos.gov, allows free public searching of business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status for all entities registered in Illinois. Professional licenses, such as those for contractors, health professionals, and other regulated occupations, are typically issued at the state level by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities within Union County, such as the City of Anna or Village of Cobden, and should be researched through the respective city clerk or village hall. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are administered by Union County Zoning Department. Sales tax permits for businesses collecting Illinois sales tax are issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The Southern Five Regional Economic Development Alliance serves the economic development interests of southern Illinois counties, including Union County, though Union County also has local economic development initiatives coordinated through county government.

Voter registration in Illinois is available through multiple channels: online at the Illinois State Board of Elections website (www.elections.il.gov), in person at the County Clerk's office, at Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facilities, and through designated voter registration agencies. Illinois law requires voter registration to close 27 days before an election (recently updated from 28 days), though grace period registration and voting is available at the County Clerk's office, election authority offices, and polling places on Election Day with proper documentation. Union County voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through the Illinois State Board of Elections online voter information portal at www.elections.il.gov or by contacting the County Clerk's office directly.

Election records that are publicly accessible under Illinois law (10 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq.) include certified election results by precinct, voter registration statistics (though individual voter history may have privacy protections), candidate nominating petitions and statements of candidacy, campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the State Board of Elections for state-level candidates, and locally filed campaign disclosure documents. Union County typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 55-65% in presidential general elections and 35-45% in midterm elections, consistent with rural Illinois county patterns. In the November 2024 general election, Union County participation reflected strong engagement typical of presidential cycles.

The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Union County is part of Illinois' 12th Congressional District), Illinois statewide constitutional offices including Governor, and Illinois General Assembly seats. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to Union County Clerk's office by mail, in person, or online through the State Board of Elections portal, with applications accepted beginning 90 days before an election.

Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days after the election to be counted. Early voting is also available at designated locations, typically including the County Clerk's office, for a period beginning 40 days before Election Day and ending the day before the election. Illinois election transparency is governed by the Election Code, which mandates public access to most election records while protecting individual ballot secrecy.

Timber harvesting and related forestry activities have historically been significant, given Union County's substantial forested areas. The Illinois Department of Corrections operates Menard Correctional Center in nearby Chester (Randolph County), which employs residents from Union County and surrounding areas. The median household income in Union County is estimated at approximately $42,000-$48,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing many southern Illinois counties.

The City of Anna, the largest county in Union County with approximately 4,500 residents, is a commercial hub with retail establishments, medical services, and educational institutions including Shawnee Community College's Anna campus. The Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services, has been a significant employer in the Anna area, though state budgetary challenges have affected staffing levels over time. Stone quarrying and aggregate production remain active industries, taking advantage of Union County's geological resources.

Tourism related to the Bald Knob Cross, Trail of Tears State Forest, LaRue-Pine Hills ecological area, and Mississippi River recreation contributes seasonal economic activity. Unemployment rates in Union County have historically tracked slightly above state averages, with economic challenges typical of rural Illinois counties. Recent economic development efforts have focused on expanding broadband internet access, supporting small business development, and promoting heritage and eco-tourism to diversify the local economy.