Primary Day: What You Need To Know

Voters across Ohio, and in Solon, will take to the polls today to have their say on a number of important issues, from choosing a Republican presidential candidate to voting on a local judicial races.

Polling places open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Solon Patch doesn't opine on issues, but we will say this: Voting is your most important right, and the best way to have your say on the future of your community, state and nation is to head to the polls today.

Here's what you need to know:

1. What is a primary? No one is going to win an elected office on Tuesday. Instead, candidates are duking it out with members of their own party to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

2. Who can vote in the primary? Any registered voter in Ohio can vote in the primary, but you must declare your party affiliation. That will determine which ballot you get. Your choices are: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green Party or unaffiliated.

For example: If you declare as a Democrat, you won't get a chance to vote in the Republican presidential primary (the only candidate will be Barack Obama), and all of your partisan races will show Democratic candidates only.

3. What is on the ballot? Here's the rundown on the primary candidates and issues going before Solon voters today:

• U.S. President
• One U.S. Senate seat (the seat held now by Sherrod Brown
• 14th U.S. Congressional District seat (incumbent is Steven LaTourette)
• 24th Ohio Senate District (incumbent is Tom Patton)
• 6th Ohio House District (incumbent is Marlene Anielski)
• A number of judicial candidates, from the Ohio Supreme Court, court of appeals and common pleas courts
• A renewal tax levy for Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services

4. What should I bring with me to the polls? Voters must prove their identity to vote. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, you can use:

• A current and valid photo identification card (e.g., driver's license or state ID)
• A military identification
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the voter’s name and current address.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The notice from the elections board saying you are registered DOES NOT count as identification.

5. How do I learn more about the judicial candidates? A non-partisan group called Judge4Yourself has rated all the judicial candidates. .

5. Where do I vote? Every Solon voter has a designated polling place based on where they live. The best way to find your polling place is to visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and use its polling place locator.

6. Where can I see sample ballots? Again, head over to the Cuyahoga Elections web site and use the ballot search.

7. Where can I get election results tonight? Right here! Solon Patch is your best source for local election news. We will post results as soon as we get them, and will provide all the analysis of the results you need to stay informed.