CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Voters in Champaign-Urbana are heading to the polls today, March 17, as the Illinois primary election gets underway. The election plays a key role in deciding which candidates will move forward to the general election later this year.

• Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone in line at closing time is still allowed to vote.

• Residents can vote at any polling location in Champaign County, regardless of their assigned precinct.

• Voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot, determining party candidates for November.

• Some races are contested, while others may have only one candidate or none at all.

• Identification is usually not required unless registration information has changed or cannot be verified.

• Ballots are printed on demand at polling locations to match each voter’s address.

• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by today or returned to a secure drop box by 7 p.m.

• Children are allowed at polling places, but photographing a completed ballot is illegal in Illinois.

As the day continues, election officials are encouraging all eligible residents to take part, emphasizing that even primary elections have a significant impact on the choices voters will see on the ballot in November.