It’s primary election day in Illinois, and we’re hoping residents across the state put democracy first and make heading to the polls a priority.

Polls opened statewide at 6 a.m. this morning and will remain open until 7 p.m., after which election results will be collected and announced throughout the evening.

There are two prominent races featured on today’s ballot, including the gubernatorial contest in which four Republicans (businessman Bruce Rauner leads) and one Democrat (activist Tio Hardiman) are vying to unseat Gov. Pat Quinn, and the race for US Senator in which two Republicans are challenging Dick Durbin. Statewide executive offices such as attorney general, secretary of state, comptroller, and treasurer will also be on the ballot, alongside other state offices including Illinois House and Senate. (See the full list of offices up for election here.)

You can find your assigned polling place by visiting the Illinois State Board of Election’s website.

Both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times reported scattered hiccups as Election Day kicked off this morning, with some polling-stations experiencing delayed openings and technical glitches with the new electronic poll books.

Because it’s a non-presidential year, election officials predict voter turnout to be low. However, despite the tendency to overlook the significance of state primaries, today’s results are of consequence, as they will determine who will be on the ballot in November and face off for Illinois’ top governing positions for the next four years. With an abundance of issues hanging heavy over the state, it’s necessary that Illinoisans assert their voices and declare via their vote the direction they would like to see the state headed. It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of presidential elections and fall indifferent to the quiet hum of local politics, but your vote at the local level has the greatest impact on your immediate life. So support yourself, your community, and your democracy by heading to your polling station today and casting your vote for Illinois politics.