The election for Homecoming king and queen will begin today.

Dain Gotto, assistant director of the Campus Activities Board, said this year’s Homecoming court is special. Last year’s Homecoming elections poll showed roughly 1,100 ballots, and he expects the polls to show quite a bit more this year.

Some of the candidates for Homecoming king and queen desired to promote campus involvement.

Jordon Mitzelfelt, sophomore biology major and Homecoming queen candidate, said if elected as homecoming queen, she would like to emphasize the importance of getting involved on campus.

“NIU has a lot to offer its students and the opportunities are just out there waiting,” Mitzefelt said.

Paul Julion, junior physical education major and Homecoming king candidate, said he would like to be an advocate of campus involvement as well if elected as Homecoming king. Other candidates said they would like to reach out through humanitarian efforts.

Ashley Steward, senior pre-physical therapy major and Homecoming queen candidate, said she would like more to be done to help women fight breast cancer. Thomas LaBelle, junior accountancy major and Homecoming King candidate, said he wants to raise the profile of young people living with AIDS.

“It is important to not only spread awareness, but to help these young people live fulfilling, healthy lives,” LaBelle said.

Joseph Willie, senior political science major, said he expects the Homecoming king and queen to be honest and loyal toward students. Senior psychology major Felicia Kaspar said she expects them to represent the campus in a professional manner.

“Homecoming is important to me because it is week dedicated to realizing just how much school spirit I have,” said Daniel Jeffries, sophomore biochemstry major and Homecoming king candidate. Cara Prock, senior family and child studies major and Homecoming queen candidate, said homecoming is a chance for the entire university to come together and celebrate and show their school spirit.

“It also gives a great opportunity for alumni to come back, and connect with current students,” Prock said.

Michael Pastrana, junior journalism major and Homecoming king candidate, said his favorite event at last year’s Homecoming was the boat race in the East Lagoon. Josh Bricker, senior marketing major and Homecoming candidate, said his favorite homecoming event would have to be Yell Like Hell. He said he got to participate on the winning team.

Voting for Homecoming king and queeen will begin from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. today. The election results will be announced 7 p.m. on Friday during the Bonfire and Pep Rally behind the Engineering Building.