Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at various locations. Students living in the NIU residence halls can vote at the Campus Recreation Center.

One can only vote at the predetermined site in his or her area, which is shown on his or her voter’s registration card. Those who moved and have not updated their address can vote at the federal level but may not vote in the local primaries. A voter who does not know his or her precinct can contact the DeKalb County Elections Office at 895-7147.

Voters must choose between a Republican, a Democrat or non-party specific (only referendums) ballot. In primary elections, the voter’s sphere of influence is limited to one party and local initiatives. The Republican ballot is yellow while the Democratic ballot is green. Only one congressional race appears on the federal ballot, which is the democratic clash between Jonathan Laesch and Ruben Kanhai-Zamora.

Additionally, on the local ballot are two referendums asking for increases in local property taxes. The Veterans Assistance referendum is a 3 percent tax increase to provide Veterans and their families aid as called for in the Military Veterans Assistance Act. The Open Space referendum calls for capital for the purpose of purchasing land to provide more open space. The Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Air and Water has lobbied hard for passage to preserve the local environment at a time of rapid growth. If passed, when the open space referendum takes full effect it would cost the local taxpayer $15 if they own a $175,000 home.

For the first time this year, local voters were allowed to vote early. The service allowed voters too busy during the work week to vote Saturday if it was more convenient. About 200 to 250 voters used early voting, which ended Thursday, according to the DeKalb County Elections office.