Although it might seem like a bland office, that of Orange County clerk-recorder affects everyone. It handles many functions, including birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and real estate deeds. It also performs civil wedding ceremonies.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors race for the 5th district, which represents Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa and several coastal cities, pits incumbent Democrat Katrina Foley against Republican Assembly member Diane Dixon. (There's also a longshot independent candidate, educator Lucy Vellema.) Supervisor races are officially nonpartisan, but this race pits high-profile candidates from both parties in a district with a Republican lean.

There's an open seat before Orange County voters this June, with Supervisor Doug Chaffee termed out after serving two terms on the Board of Supervisors. The district is spread across Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton and Anaheim.