What you need to know before voting in the Indiana primary election

After a contentious primary season captured national media attention, it’s now Election Day in Indiana.

Republican voters on Tuesday will choose a senate candidate to challenge Democrat Sen. Joe Donnelly in the fall. Some have called that primary race the nastiest in the nation, with former state Rep. Mike Braun and U.S. Reps. Luke Messer and Todd Rokita continuously throwing verbal punches at each other.

Across the state, Hoosiers of both parties also will choose candidates in every congressional district, as well as in state legislative races and some local level contests.

Voters have complaints: Primary election turnout light in metro Indy, voters glad to end Republican Senate contest

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Republicans in the sixth district will have to decide if another Pence family member deserves a shot at Congress, in the state’s most expensive congressional race.

Some school districts also are seeking property tax increases.

Here’s what you need to know as you head to the polls:

Know the candidates:

With so many races on the ballot, it’s hard to keep track of the candidates.

To make it easier, IndyStar offers a voter guide at indystar.com/voterguide. Simply enter your address and pull up the list of candidates on your ballot.

Confirm you are registered to vote:

The state regularly cleans its voter rolls, to remove those who have died or moved out of state. After the 2016 election, nearly half a million names were erased from the rolls in a massive voter cleanup attempt.

At the state level, voters were removed if they hadn't voted in 2014, 2015 or 2016, a first postcard was returned as undeliverable and no one responded to a second forwardable postcard.

To check if you’re registered, go to www.indianavoters.in.gov and click on “check voting status” or call your county elections office.

Check your voting location:

Go to www.indianavoters.in.gov and click on "Find my polling place" or call your county election office.

Indiana is among the states with the shortest election hours, so plan accordingly. Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Don’t forget, polls in some parts of the state close an hour later than others because they are in the Central Time Zone.

Bring your government-issued photo ID:

You’ll need to show a government-issued photo ID at the polls, which could include an Indiana driver license, an Indiana photo ID card, a passport of military ID.

Students who attend state schools could use their school IDs if they display a photo, name and an expiration date. IDs issued by private schools don’t meet the requirements.

Don’t bring any items showing support for candidates:

You can’t wear any clothing that supports or opposes a candidate or party, or bring a campaign sign into the polling location.

What if I forget my ID or don’t have one?

You can cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. Within 10 days after the election, go to the county election office to provide your ID. You can also check out Indiana’s list of exemptions online at www.in.gov/sos/elections/index.htm in the “Voter Information Portal.”

You can get an Indiana State ID Card from a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch for free.

If you haven’t registered for this election, there’s always the general election.

It's too late to register for the primary. The general election is on Nov. 6. To register, go to www.indianavoters.in.gov/.

What to do if you have problems:

Call the Indiana Elections Division at 317-232-3939 or your county elections office .

If you have a complaint about your polling place’s accessibility limitations or think there might be cases of voter fraud, call 866-461-8683.

Meet the Senate candidates

Todd Rokita: Rokita is battling 'the elites,' including fellow Republicans who used to support him.

Mike Braun: A Republican Senate candidate bringing casual attire but serious business credentials

Luke Messer: A GOP establishment favorite says childhood lessons taught him perseverance

Call IndyStar reporter Kaitlin Lange at (317) 432-9270. Follow her on Twitter: @kaitlin_lange.