Election day is almost upon us. We presume you’ve noticed the yard signs popping up all over. If you haven’t been paying attention, don’t despair. PennLive is here with the answers to all your election-related questions.

Except whom to vote for. That you’re going to have to figure out for yourself.

When is the primary election?

The Democratic and Republican primaries will take place Tuesday, May 21. It will set the stage for a general election scheduled for Nov. 5.

What's on the ballot?

In most cases, this is the election where registered Republicans and Democrats only get to decide their parties’ candidates for state judgeships and county, municipal and school board offices across the Commonwealth.

There are also a handful of special elections and ballot questions that are open to independent voters, as well.

Most counties have sample ballots available for your review on their Web sites. Check for the elections or voter registration pages.

What are the special elections this year?

In Central Pennsylvania, voters in Adams County, eastern Franklin County, and small portions of Cumberland and York counties will be asked to elect a new state senator.

Voters in Perry, Juniata and Mifflin counties extending north through State College and Williamsport to the New York state line, meanwhile, will get to elect a new congressman to replace former Rep. Tom Marino, who abruptly resigned this winter.

There are also two other special elections in western Pennsylvania for vacancies in the state House and state Senate.

Is that it?

Residents in a number of central Pa. towns will also get to say thumbs up or thumbs down to specific ballot questions, which are also open to all voters.

Voters in the boroughs of Cleona in Lebanon County and Fawn Grove in York County will be asked if they want to end long-standing bans on alcohol sales. Voters in Shiremanstown in Cumberland County and West Lampeter Township in Lancaster County, meanwhile, will be asked whether to allow local organizations to use small games of chance for fund-raising purposes.

I don't know anything about the candidates. Is there a place I can learn about who's running?

Understandable enough.

These are low-profile races that don’t generate a lot of attention. But you can start right now and you still have time.

Many of the candidates running have campaign presences online, either via their own Web sites or on Facebook. PennLive has prepared this handy voters guide to help you sort out most of the contested primaries.

In addition, links to our coverage of some of the higher-profile races can be found here.

Where do I vote?

In the precinct assigned to you. Check your voter registration card, or just use the state website to find the location.

Do I have to show ID?

In Pennsylvania, the only voters who must show identification at the polls are first-time voters or people voting in a new location for the first time.

Can I still vote if there's an issue with my eligibility?

If there is a question regarding a your eligibility and it cannot be resolved at the polling place, you have the right to record your vote with a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot will be counted if election officials can later verify the voter’s eligibility.

Worth noting, however, if you’re not already a registered voter, you’re not going to be able to do that on Tuesday. Pennsylvania is not a same-day registration state. Registration for the November election, however, will open on Wednesday.

What are the hours?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, you will be able to cast your vote.

Who should I call if I have a voting problem?

Each Pennsylvania county has an office dedicated to dealing with voter issues. Here's a breakdown of the midstate election offices by county.

Adams County: 717-337-9832

Cumberland County: 717-240-6385

Dauphin County: 717-780-6360

Franklin County: 717-261-3131

Lancaster County: 717-299-8293

Lebanon County: 717- 228-4428

Perry County: 717-582-2131

York County: 717-771-9604