If students sincerely are concerned about who and what affects their daily lives, then it’s time to act quickly because Tuesday marks the final day students and residents can register to vote for their respective aldermen.

The 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th wards are up for election with only the 5th Ward devoid of competition, as incumbent 5th Ward Alderman Patrick Conboy stands uncontested. Of interest to NIU students are the 1st and 7th wards, both encompassing almost all NIU students who live DeKalb.

The 1st Ward, comprised of the entire Greek Row community, shows incumbent 1st Ward Alderman Andy Small facing off against NIU pre-sociology major and former SA treasurer Karega Harris. The 7th Ward, where NIU’s residence halls are located, sees Alderman Joseph Sosnowski stepping down, while two newcomers, James Barr, a graduate student, and political science major Matthew Kapustianyk vie for the vacant position.

The aldermen elections should not be overlooked because of the direct impact they have on the community, said City Clerk Donna Johnson.

“I think there’s more interest in the presidential and mayoral elections,” Johnson said. “Yet an alderman is the one who has the most influence on one’s daily life.”

To further emphasize that point, Johnson said it doesn’t matter if a candidate receives six votes or 4,000. Those who win have one of seven positions on the DeKalb City Council, along with one of seven votes.

If you have an interest in housing facilities, police patrol, snow plowing or waste pick-up, then register and vote in the alderman elections.

Once registered, the old registration from back home is canceled automatically, but can be validated again after re-registration back home.

If students are registered to vote in DeKalb but have moved since registering, they too must re-register, but the process is easier, Johnson said. Options include a place to indicate a change of address on an existing registration card and sending it to the county clerk or even simply sending a note showing the change of address to the county clerk.

“Every student has the right to be represented, so get out and vote,” Johnson said. “Look at the literature, find out about your alderman, and ask friends about them. Then vote.”

For information, call the DeKalb City Clerk’s office at 748-2095 or the DeKalb County Clerk’s office at 895-7147.