Last Saturday, Jan. 15, saw lines of cars waiting in rows near Deer Park's movie theater as Democrats waited patiently in the bitter cold to sign ballot petitions for Democratic candidates. Both Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Mike Quigley stopped by the event, held at an office building parking lot near the Deer Park mall.

Petition season is where we Democrats can play a starring role. We can sign our name on U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth's petition, or Gov. JB Pritzker, or one of our two congressmen and help them get on the ballot for the June 28 Primary. Other states allow candidates to pay a fee to get on the ballot, or they allow anyone to sign up. But here in Illinois, we expect our candidates to show that they have support within the broader community before they get listed on the ballot. It's a more democratic process.

Most critically, you need to sign the petitions of our local candidates: Illinois House and Senate candidates and County Board Candidates. Incumbents have an easier time because they have a built-in network. New candidates need more help!

We need YOUR signatures!! We have up to petitions that need all our signatures!

Our next Petition Drive-Thru will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, at GPAD offices, 1310 W. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights.