What you need to know: Election Day, June 7

Several important state and local primary races are being contested today as voters head to the polls, which are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tim Box, deputy commissioner of elections for Linn County, isn't expecting a huge turnout of voters, but says those who do vote should go early.

'We always advise people to go early. Don't wait until the last minute, of course,' he said.

Box said he's hoping to see voter turnout of at least 10 percent.

'That would be a good day,' he said. 'During presidential election years, voter turnout for a primary is usually less than a gubernatorial year, because the president is not on the ballot in Iowa. So we don't have what I call a headliner, even though the Democrats have a highly contested race for representative for District 1, and one for U.S. Senate.'

Today's winners move on to the Nov. 8 general election.

Before you head out to vote, here is what you need to know:

Races to Watch

U.S. Senate

Thomas L. Fiegen, Robert M. Hogg, Patty Judge and Bob Krause are vying to be the Democratic nominee. The winner Tuesday squares off against longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in November.

1st District U.S. House of Representatives

Democrats Pat Murphy and Monica Vernon compete to see who goes up against first-term Republican Rep. Rod Blum for Iowa's 1st Congressional District seat.

Johnson County Board of Supervisors

Two incumbents — Lisa Green-Douglass and Rod Sullivan — and four challengers — Kurt Friese, Patricia Heiden, Mike Hull and Jason T. Lewis — vie for three open seats. All of the candidates are Democrats. Supervisor Pat Harney is not seeking re-election. No Republicans have filed for the November election, but have until Aug. 31 to do so.

Linn County Board of Supervisors

District 2 — Dick Hogan and Stacey Walker clash for the Democratic ticket to fill the supervisor seat that was left vacant earlier this year when former Supervisor Linda Langston resigned. County officials appointed Supervisor Amy Johnson in April. Johnson is not running to remain in the seat. District 2 covers most of southern Cedar Rapids, including parts of downtown, New Bohemia, College Township, Oak Hill Jackson, and parts of Ely.

District 3 — Republicans Delma Clarke, Tim Gull and Edwin Valladares are vying for the chance to face incumbent Democrat Ben Rogers in November. Rogers has held the seat for eight years. The District 3 seat represents much of the northern part of Cedar Rapids.

Linn County Auditor

Incumbent Auditor Joel Miller is being challenged by Joe Stutler. Both men are Democrats. Miller has been the Linn County Auditor for nine years. He won a special election in 2007 and won four-year terms in 2008 and 2012.

Iowa House District 77

Democrats Amy Nielsen and Abbie Weipert and Republicans Paula Dreeszen and Royce Phillips contend to fill the seat of Rep. Sally Stutsman who is not seeking re-election. District 77 includes North Liberty, Tiffin, Oxford, Swisher and Shueyville.

Iowa House District 68

Molly Donahue and Sam Gray are seeking the Democratic nomination for Iowa House District 68. The winner faces first-term Republican Rep. Ken Rizer. House 68 includes Marion, Bertram, Ely and Putnam.

Voter Registration

In Iowa, primary election rules stipulate you can only vote on the ballot of the party for which you are registered. So, if you are a registered Democrat, you must vote using the Democratic ballot; if you are a registered Republican, you must vote using the Republican ballot.

If you are an independent, you must decide whether you want the Democratic or Republican ballot. Once you choose, you must register with that party. You can always change your party affiliation during a future election either at a polling location or by filing paperwork in the county auditor's office.

To register to vote, visit the Iowa Secretary of State website at www.sos.iowa.gov and click on 'Register to Vote.' If you forgot the party with which you are registered, you can confirm that at the SOS website or by calling Linn County Election Services at (319) 892-5300 or the Johnson County Auditor's Office at (319) 356-6004.

Where is my polling location?

Not sure where to vote? A list of polling locations can be found online at the following websites:

Johnson County — www.johnson-county.com and click on 'Departments,' 'Auditors,' 'Polling Places and Sample Ballots'

Linn County — www.linncountyelections.org/lookup/

Elsewhere — www.sos.iowa.gov, click on 'Find my polling place.'

Do's and Don'ts

Do — Bring identification. It is not required, but it helps. If you have moved since you last voted, bring a valid driver's licenses or a piece of mail that lists your name and address, like a utility bill, bank statement or government document.

Don't — Use of cameras, cellphones, or other electronic devices is prohibited in voting booths. Campaign signs may not be posted and electioneering is not allowed within 300 feet of any entrance to the polling place. Weapons are prohibited.

Need Help?

Officials at precincts may provide assistance to a voter upon request. If you are unable to enter the building due to a disability, two election officials from each political party can bring a ballot and supplies out to your car.