DeKALB | Today is the last day for candidates to turn in nominating petitions for the April 17 DeKalb aldermen election for the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th wards.

Aldermen, along with the mayor, serve on the city council and play an influential role in deciding how the city is run.

DeKalb is divided into seven wards. According to the DeKalb municipal code, one alderman is elected to the DeKalb City Council to represent each ward, with each alderman serving a four-year term. Aldermen elections are staggered so that residents of odd-numbered wards will elect their aldermen this year and residents of even-numbered wards will elect their aldermen in two years.

Candidates must have been a resident of their ward for at least 12 months before the election.

If students or residents are interested in running for a DeKalb alderman position, it’s not too late.

Petitions can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office in the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. The signatures must be obtained from registered voters from the ward.

“The number of signatures varies from ward to ward, based on a percentage,” said DeKalb City Clerk Donna Johnson.

For example, someone who wants to be put on the ballot for the 1st Ward, which includes University Plaza, would need between 13 and 63 signatures.

Signed petitions must be returned by 5 p.m. today.