So, you’re looking for the latest Lake County election results and probably feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data floating around. It’s understandable. Whether you’re in Illinois, Florida, or California, "Lake County" is one of those names that pops up everywhere, and 2026 is shaping up to be a weird, pivotal year for local politics.
Right now, we are in that strange "liminal space" of the election cycle. Most major 2026 primary and general elections haven't happened yet—those are slated for June and November—but if you've been paying attention to the local canvassing boards, you know the gears are already turning. In fact, in places like Lake County, Florida, specific municipal races just wrapped up or are in the process of being certified right this second.
The Florida Situation: Municipal Shakeups
If you’re following the Lake County election results down in the Sunshine State, the big news isn't a presidential race. It's the hyper-local stuff. People often overlook city council seats, but these are the folks deciding your property taxes and how many new subdivisions get built behind your house.
In Groveland, we recently saw Michael C. Jaycox pull off a pretty decisive win against Jim O'Neil for City Council District 4. It wasn't even that close—Jaycox grabbed nearly 69% of the vote. Honestly, that kind of margin tells you a lot about the direction that specific community wants to go. Meanwhile, Mascotte was a total nail-biter. Robin Hughes edged out Barbara Krull by just a handful of votes (50.66% to 49.34%). That’s the kind of result that keeps campaign managers awake at night.
- Clermont Seat 2: Bryan L. Bain took it with 53.82%.
- Tavares Seat 4: Doug Keown won handily against Lou Buigas.
- Montverde: Grant Roberts and Bryan Rubio are the names to watch there.
The real kicker in Florida right now? The 2026 Governor’s race. While the actual voting is a ways off, the polling data coming out of Lake County and surrounding areas this January is wild. Byron Donalds is currently leading the pack in most GOP primary polls, often sitting around 45% to 47%. If you’re a political junkie, those are the numbers you’re probably refreshing your browser for.
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Illinois: The Calm Before the Primary Storm
Switching gears to the Midwest, the Lake County election results for Illinois are currently in the "filing and prep" phase. We just came off a massive 2024 cycle where we saw Jennifer Banek hold onto the Coroner’s office and Brad Schneider keep his seat in the 10th Congressional District.
But what’s happening now?
Basically, everyone is looking toward the June 2, 2026, Primary. Filing for many local offices is either underway or just wrapped up. Governor JB Pritzker is looking at a potential third term, which hasn't happened in Illinois since the early 80s. In Lake County specifically, the Democratic stronghold seems to be holding firm, but the Republican side is seeing a lot of energy from candidates like Darren Bailey, who is already polling at 34% in early January surveys for the gubernatorial primary.
Why These Results Actually Matter
It’s easy to get "election fatigue." I get it. But the Lake County election results are sort of a bellwether for larger trends. In 2024, Lake County, California, saw a massive 71.52% voter turnout. That is huge. It shows that people are actually engaged, even when the national news feels like a circus.
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When we look at the January 13, 2026, timeline for Florida, we see that preliminary election night returns are due by 7:30 PM today for any special or municipal contests currently on the docket. If there's a recount—and looking at those Mascotte numbers, it’s always a possibility—those official returns won't be set in stone until January 26.
Common Misconceptions About Local Results
One thing people get wrong all the time is thinking that "unofficial results" are the final word. Kinda far from it.
- The "Late" Ballots: In many jurisdictions, mail-in ballots postmarked by election day still count even if they arrive a day or two later. This is why you see the numbers shift.
- Provisional Ballots: These are the "safety net" votes. If there's a question about a voter's eligibility, they cast a provisional ballot that isn't counted until their status is verified. In a tight race, these are the "hidden" votes that can flip a result.
- Certification: A race isn't "over" just because the news calls it. The County Canvassing Board has to physically sit down and certify those numbers.
Looking Ahead: Your Next Steps
If you are living in any of these Lake Counties, don't just wait for the news to tell you what happened. You can be proactive.
First, check your registration status immediately. 2026 is a big year, and if you've moved recently, your old registration won't cut it. Most counties have an online portal—for instance, Lake County, Indiana, uses the "My Voter Portal" on IndianaVoters.com.
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Second, look at the local ordinances. In the recent Florida results, a massive 82% of voters in Montverde voted "Yes" on Ordinance 2025-57 regarding development densities. That affects your neighborhood far more than whoever is sitting in the Governor's mansion.
Finally, keep an eye on the filing deadlines. In California, the "Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee" period for the June primary is happening right now, closing on February 4. If you’re tired of the current options, this is the time when the alternatives are actually getting on the ballot.
Don't let the 2026 Lake County election results catch you by surprise. Stay tuned to your local clerk's website, watch the certification deadlines, and remember that in local politics, twenty votes isn't just a margin—it's often the whole game.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your registration: Go to your specific state’s "My Voter Status" page to ensure your address is current for the 2026 primaries.
- Download the App: If you’re in Lake County, Indiana, they have a dedicated "Election Results App" available at elections.lakecountyin.gov for real-time updates.
- Mark your calendar: June 2, 2026, is the big primary date for both Illinois and California. If you want to influence the general election, that is where it starts.