Lake County Gazette

Mary Cole, a candidate for Lake County State’s Attorney, announced the official filing of the necessary paperwork, solidifying her candidacy for the upcoming election. The election is set to take place in March of next year.

“It’s official... I have filed the necessary paperwork to run for Lake County State’s Attorney. I will be on the primary ballot in March and (hopefully) the general election ballot in November,” Cole said on Facebook.

As the broader election season in Illinois kicked off on September 5, candidates began actively collecting signatures for the March 19 primary ballot. The State of Illinois has established a deadline for candidate petitions to be submitted to the County Clerk between Monday, Nov. 27 at 8 am and the final day for submissions, which is Monday, Dec. 4, at 5 pm. Petitions can be delivered either in person or through the mail, according to the 2024 Candidates Guide released by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

In addition to local contests, the March 19 primary will be pivotal for voters in the state, who will select presidential nominees for both Democratic and Republican parties. Delegates for both parties' conventions scheduled for August will also be elected during this primary according to WTTW.

Notably, Cole is a vocal critic of her opponent: Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. Rinehart has faced heavy criticism as he was one of only two state attorneys in Illinois - along with Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx - supporting the SAFE-T Act that went into effect on Sept. 18. This controversial law disallows bail, according to Heartlander, and allows individuals accused of crimes to return to the streets rather than being detained before trial. Cole's candidacy has emphasized a commitment to a safer and more secure future, in contrast with the policies criticized in her opponent’s tenure.