A beginner's guide to this week's primary election

On Tuesday, Hoosiers will get their chance to vote in the primary election. But what is a primary?

Primaries are a bit different than your typical election and allows you to make your voice heard for who you want to see on the ballot come November.

What is a primary?

Primaries are the set-up for the general election in November and are split into two halves: Democrat and Republican. Voters will self-identify their party and be given the option to vote for who they want to see advance to the general election.

Am I electing anybody?

Short answer, not really. Long answer, the winner of their respective primary in each race will appear on the ballot in November.

For example, five Republicans are running for governor on the primary ballot. The winner of that race will face the Democratic candidate, Jennifer McCormick (who is running unopposed).

How do I vote?

To vote in Tippecanoe County, you have to be registered to vote in the county.

According to the Tippecanoe County website, voters would have needed to submit a voter registration application by April 8th at 4:30 p.m. to vote in the primaries.

Once you arrive at a polling location, make sure you have your ID with you, as it will be required.

“If you do not possess an ID that is acceptable for voting purposes, Public Law 109-2005 requires the BMV to issue an Indiana State ID Card for free,” according to the Tippecanoe County website.

A poll worker will give you the specific instructions for how to cast your ballot and you will “secretly” fill and submit your ballot.

Don’t forget to take some free swag before you leave saying that you voted.

Do I have to be a Democrat to vote Democrat? What about Republicans?

No! Indiana is considered a “partisan primary,” according to Ballotpedia, meaning that voters just have to choose which party's ballot they want.

Who’s on my ballot?

For the most accurate information on who will be on your ballot, specifically for Indiana residents, visit indianavoters.com where you can not only check your voter status, but also know what to expect to see on your ballot.

In Tippecanoe County, voters have the option to vote for U.S. senator, governor, president of the United States, U.S. representative of District Four, state representative for District 27, county treasurer, circuit court judge, county coroner, judge of the Superior Court No. 6, county surveyor, county commissioner of District 2 and 3, and county council at large.

However, not all of these positions may appear on your ballot. Some races don’t have candidates of both parties.

Where can I vote?

Tippecanoe County has 15 voting locations, including the Tippecanoe County fairgrounds, the West Lafayette Wellness Center and Margerum City Hall. Voting locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.