The South Carolina primary election takes place today – and one of the most effective ways you can effect change in this country is by exercising your right to vote. Here’s what you need to do to make that happen.

Step 1: Confirm your voter registration.

In order to be eligible to vote in tomorrow’s primary, you must already be registered. If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, you can find instantly by filling out this short form.

Step 2: Find your polling location.

If you haven’t already cast an absentee ballot, polls will be open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m today. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Some precincts will not be open due to COVID-19 concerns. Be sure to check here to find your precinct location.

Election officials are taking steps to protect the health of voters and poll managers. Poll managers will receive special COVID-19 training on applying social distancing + maintaining sanitary conditions in the polling place including PPE for poll managers, sneeze guards for check-in stations, sanitizing wipes for cleaning common surfaces, providing hand sanitizer for voters + poll managers, and offering cotton swabs for making selections on the touchscreen. Check-in stations + voting equipment will also be spaced at least six feet apart.

Step 3: Cast your vote.

The questions on your ballot will vary based on two factors: One, where you’re registered to vote (for instance, Richland + Lexington County residents will participate in different county council elections); and two, your political party. Let’s dive a little deeper into that.

South Carolina has an open primary. While some states require voters to register with a political party, SC does not. Instead, voters can choose whether to cast a Republican ballot or a Democratic ballot when they get to the polls. You do not have to identify as a Republican in order to receive a Republican ballot, and vice versa. Rather, voters have the freedom to choose the party ballot that they feel will give them the opportunity to influence the most change.

Not sure which to select? You can view your sample ballots online for either political party before heading to the polls to compare what your options are. To do this, fill out this short form and then hit the button that says ‘View Sample Ballot.’ Select a political party from the drop-down menu then hit the icon under where it says ‘Click Button to View’. Repeat those steps for both parties to see the alternative ballot option.

You will be required to select a political party before casting your vote. Again, the decision will only affect what’s on your ballot - it does not bind you to the respective party beyond the primary election.

Once you’ve checked out what’s on your sample ballot, take a look at this voting guide from The State to learn more about each candidate.

Get out and vote, Columbia. Let’s make sure all of our voices are heard.