With nearly 50 candidates on the DeKalb County ballot, voting can be confusing. Some voters overlook the fact that there are other races besides the presidential race.

Sharon Holmes, DeKalb County clerk and recorder, said county and presidential positions are both important.

“Just like any other candidates, you need to know who they are, what they represent and stand for,” Holmes said.

Besides the presidential and vice presidential elections, voters will also have to decide on representatives, senators, state’s attorney, circuit county clerk, coroner and county board members.

DeKalb County residents will have to choose from the 21 DeKalb County Board candidates hoping to represent one of the 12 districts in the area. Board members have the potential to impact county residents greatly.

Pat Vary, DeKalb County Board vice-chairman, said the DeKalb County Board affects students by governing land and roadways and providing a health facility for those not covered by NIU insurance.

Ruth Anne Tobias, DeKalb County Board chairman, said the board also provides public safety and works with NIU and DeKalb police, especially in times of need.

“In a tragedy, like Feb. 14, they were there in minutes and did everything they could,” Tobias said.

Tobias and Vary agree that the county board also works to provide jobs for students and graduates within DeKalb County.

“[We] work to try to grow the economic base of the county so there’s more opportunities for students to work during school and encourage entrepreneurs who want to stay after they graduate,” Tobias said.

DeKalb County has 14 towns and cities split into 19 different townships. The district precincts, or boundaries, are divided based on population. For example, the city of DeKalb has six districts split among designated precincts. Citizens will still vote for all 12 districts, regardless of where they live.