Kankakee Times

Colton Ekhoff, Republican Candidate for Kankakee County Auditor, marked a significant milestone in his campaign by filing petitions to secure a spot on the Republican Primary ballot.

“This morning, our campaign turned in around 625 signatures to get on the ballot for Kankakee County Auditor. I want to thank everyone that signed my petition, welcomed me into their homes, and all the volunteers that helped us achieve this important first step.” Ekhoff said in a press release.

Ekhoff, currently serving as a Kankakee County Board Member for District 2, outlined his vision for the Auditor’s role. His campaign noted he aims to bring accountability and proactive engagement to the position, citing the absence of these qualities in the current scenario.

“The people of Kankakee County deserve an Auditor that will show up to work, collaborate with departments, audit all claims against the County, produce quarterly reports, produce audits, restore the online checkbook, and attend monthly committee meetings, all of which is currently not being done,” Ekhoff’s campaign asserts.

Ekhoff’s campaign slogan, “Action not absence,” reflects his commitment to bringing a proactive and accountable approach to the role.

The Republican Primary for Kankakee County is scheduled for March 19, giving voters the opportunity to choose their candidate for the Auditor position.

The filing of petitions aligns with the broader election season in Illinois, where candidates have been actively collecting signatures since Sept. 5 to secure a place on the primary ballot. The submission deadline for candidate petitions to the County Clerk is from Monday, Nov. 27 at 8 am until Monday, Dec. 4 at 5 pm, according to the 2024 Candidate Guide.

This upcoming primary carries substantial weight for voters across party lines. The March 19 primary is significant for Illinois voters as it involves selecting local representatives and participating in the nomination process for presidential candidates in both the Democratic and Republican parties. The primary will also determine the delegates representing the state in the party conventions scheduled for August.

Ekhoff's bid faces an immediate challenge in a well-established figure. In the upcoming Republican primary on March 19, Ekhoff will compete against the incumbent Kankakee County Auditor, Jacob M. "Jake" Lee. The race will shape the future leadership of the Auditor’s office, and voters will have the opportunity to decide the direction they want for Kankakee County.