In all counties there shall be an elected county clerk who shall hold office until the clerk's successor is qualified. The functions and powers of the county clerks shall be uniform in the various counties of this State. The clerk shall enter upon the duties of the clerk's office on the first day in the month of December following the clerk's election on which the office of the county clerk is required, by statute or by action of the county board, to be open.
55 ILCS 5/3-2001