Grundy Reporter

Candidates in Illinois who want to run in the upcoming election are now out collecting signatures to get on the ballot, and state Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) has asked her constituents for their continued support. 

Haas took to social media to spread the word that she was seeking signatures, too.

"It's petition time again and your support is welcomed in getting them completed," she wrote in a Jan. 13 Facebook post. "You can download the petition form and guidelines on my website at www.votejackie.com. I'm looking forward to continued service to the 79th district with your support!"

She also will be hosting an event giving people who want to sign her petition – but can't make it to Kankakee – a chance to do so.

"I will be hosting a coffee & petition event THIS Saturday at Brian's Place in Monee from 9-12," Haas wrote in a Jan. 19 Facebook post.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21, at 25665 S. Governor's Highway in Monee.

"Come grab a coffee, talk with me, and sign my petitions so I can continue to represent and advocate for you in Springfield," she said in the post. 

Haas was elected to serve as state representative during the November 2020 general election with 64% of the vote, according to her campaign website. 

Haas announced her intent to run for re-election last November, the Daily Journal reported. At the time she said it was her "top priority" to continue being a voice for the people who live in the 79th District, and planned to run again even with the uncertainty surrounding the state's legislative redistricting maps. 

In recent weeks, Haas called for tougher penalties for people who commit crimes in Illinois, according to the Kankakee Times. She and other Republicans expressed concerns that a spike in violent crime would continue to get worse under a new law spearheaded by Democratic lawmakers.