Months of hype surrounding the primary election will culminate Tuesday.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A variety of state, county and local seats have contested races. Local county elections officials and poll workers are preparing for a busy day.

“I would encourage everybody to get out and vote early on Tuesday,” said Jerry Spruell, director of the Edgecombe County Board of Elections.

Voters might notice some changes this year because of redistricting. Elections officials sent out information cards to registered voters this spring to inform them of their electoral districts.

They also have informed poll workers about redistricting changes so the poll workers can assist voters.

Voters need to go to their assigned polling place, said John Kearney, director of the Nash County Board of Elections.

Kearney said he doesn’t anticipate a heavy turnout Tuesday, but the polling places will be staffed to handle a big crowd.

Nash County has 60 different ballot styles this primary election, and Edgecombe County has 71.

Kearney encouraged people to come exercise their right to vote.

“Every vote does count,” he said. “We’ve had elections come down to the wire.”

Polling places typically are busier before work, during lunch and after work, Kearney said.

He encouraged people to learn about the candidates and issues before they come to the polls.

“It’s important to do research before election day,” Kearney said.

People can learn about their assigned polling location and view their sample ballot by visiting the N.C. State Board of Elections’ website and clicking the link for “My Election Information.” For more information, go to www.ncsbe.gov.

Some Twin Counties residents participated in early voting, which lasted for about two-and-a-half weeks, starting April 19. The early voting period ended Saturday.

As of Friday morning, a total of about 2,337 Edgecombe County residents, including 1,963 Democrats and 253 Republicans, cast early votes. About 4,132 Nash County residents cast early votes as of Friday morning. When you factor in people who voted absentee by mail, Nash County had a total of 4,334 absentee by mail and early voters as of Friday morning, including 2,434 Democrats and 1,815 Republicans.