So, you’re finally 18, or will be by the next general election on November 6. Congratulations, you can fulfill your civic duty by voting in the primary elections next Tuesday, May 8! Unless you failed to register to vote in April (sorry, you can still register for the general election!), it’s time to start researching the candidates and figuring out how to fit voting into your schedule.

Indianavoters.in.gov is the best resource for checking your voting registration status, finding your polling place and seeing which candidates will be on your ballot. You can log in with only your name, birthdate and county. If you have moved or had a name change since you registered to vote, you must update your information before you head to the polls.

Indiana has an open primary, meaning that you do not have to be registered with a specific party to vote. However, you must choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot when you enter the polling center and can only vote for candidates in that party. Indianavoters.in.gov has a list of all the candidates for each party and for each election, and many of them have websites or Facebook pages where you can research their platforms. Another fantastic resource for more high-profile elections, such as Congressional races, is ballotpedia.org, where candidates personally answer questions regarding their platform. The Republic has also run profiles on candidates for local elections. Remember, you do not have to vote in every single election on the ballot.

Indianavoters.in.gov also has a feature where you can see which polling location you must go to vote. In Bartholomew County, you do not have to go to a specific location based on your precinct and can instead pick from 18 locations across the county. All of the local voting centers are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Finally, to vote at the polls, you must bring a current photo identification issued by the state of Indiana or federal government, such as a driver’s license or passport.

To all of the first time voters hoping to walk into school Tuesday with a commemorative “I voted” sticker, remember to do your research and be prepared. Good luck!