The Democrat and Republican primaries are approaching on Tuesday, and it's tricky to tell if Kootenai County will see an impressive turnout, said county elections Manager Carrie Phillips.

Some might be deterred by the requirement to check off party affiliation to vote on a party ballot, she noted.

But voters could also flock to cast their opinions on local races that have several candidates vying for a seat.

"With no presidential candidates and the party affiliation, the number might be lower," Phillips said, adding that nearly 3,000 absentee ballots had been filled out by Friday. "But on the flip side, with the county (races) so contested, it could drive turnout up. It's kind of a teeter totter."

The primary elections determine which candidates will be on the general election ballot.

Phillips reminded that some local races have only Republican candidates, so the winner will be determined on Tuesday and not at the general election.

Voters who do choose to enjoy their rights won't face a very complicated process, Phillips said.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mail-outs have gone out indicating voters' polling locations. The locations can also be found online at www.kcgov.us/elections/.

Registered voters must show photo ID to fill out a ballot, Phillips said. Those without ID can sign an affidavit.

County residents can register to vote on election day, if they can provide photo ID and proof of residence that's at least 30 days old.

Voters must indicate their party affiliation to vote on a party ballot.

Because the Republican primary is closed, only those who affiliate Republican can vote on that party's ballot.

The Democrat primary is open, so any registered voter can cast a Democrat ballot, including Libertarians, Constitution Party members, Republicans and unaffiliated voters.

Unaffiliated voters also have a choice of a non-partisan ballot, which doesn't include county or state legislative races.

Phillips assured that poll workers will answer any questions for voters.

"No matter what kind of election it is, it's always important to exercise your right to vote," she said.

Candidates on the Republican ballot include:

District 2 Senate seat: Incumbent Steve Vick, Mike Jorgenson

District 2, Representative A seat: Incumbent Vito Barbieri, Mark Fisher

District 2, Representative B seat: Incumbent Phil Hart, Ed Morse, Ron Vieselmeyer and Fritz Wiedenhoff

District 3 Senate seat: Bob Nonini

District 3, Representative A seat: Jeff Tyler, Ron Mendive

District 3, Representative B seat: Incumbent Frank Henderson, Jack Schroeder

District 4 Senate seat: Incumbent John Goedde

District 4, Representative A seat: Jeff Ames, Luke Malek

District 4, Representative B seat: Incumbent Kathleen Sims

Kootenai County Commissioner, District 1 seat: Incumbent Todd Tondee, Bruce Noble, Gerald Arno, Marc Eberlein and Tim Herzog

Kootenai County Commissioner, District 3 seat: Incumbent Dan Green, Vic Holmes and Larry Spencer

Kootenai County Sheriff: Keith Hutcheson, Ben Wolfinger and John Green

Kootenai County Prosecutor: Donald Gary, Barry McHugh

Representative in Congress, 1st District: Incumbent Raul Labrador, Reed McCandless

Candidates on the Democrat ballot include:

District 2, Senate seat: Shirley McFaddan

District 2, Representative A seat: Cheryl Stransky

District 2, Representative B seat: Dan English

District 3, Senate seat: Kristy Reed Johnson

District 3, Representative A seat: David Larsen

District 3, Representative B seat: Ronald Johnson

District 4, Senate seat: Warren Ducote Jr.

District 4, Representative A seat: Janet Callen

District 4, Representative B seat: Anne Nesse

Representative in Congress, 1st District: Cynthia Clinkingbeard, Jimmy Farris

Non-partisan ballots will include candidates for Idaho Supreme Court Justice, Appellate Court Judge and a levy measure from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District.