With several contested primaries on the ballot for next month's fall primary, election officials want to make sure you're ready to head to the polls. In Door and Kewaunee counties, primaries will be held for several local, state, and federal offices, with the Republican primaries for Door County sheriff, Kewaunee County sheriff and Wisconsin State Senate, along with the Democratic primaries for Wisconsin governor and U.S. representative, driving most of the headlines.

With every election come the usual reminders for voters, especially those casting a ballot for the first time. You will need an acceptable photo ID to receive your ballot, and you can visit your local DMV to get a free ID card if you do not already have one. You can register to vote with your municipal clerk through Aug. 7 or on Election Day at your polling place with a valid photo ID and proof of residence.

When it comes to casting your ballot, Algoma City Clerk Erin Mueller reminds voters that this is a partisan primary, which means you cannot jump from party to party when voting for different offices.

Mueller also says you can only "spoil" your ballot if you make a mistake while voting in person. If you make a mistake or your chosen candidate drops out before Election Day, you cannot change your vote if you have already returned your absentee ballot.

Early in-person voting begins July 28 during normal office hours and continues through Aug. 7. The primary election is Aug. 11.