Ohioans get their first chance to vote in the state's primary election Tuesday.

The election will be held March 6, but early voters can cast ballots at the Summit County Board of Elections offices on Grant Street in Akron Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

"We think we'll be able to take care of the people that will be coming in for walk-in voting without much difficulty for this primary election," said Board Director Ron Koehler.

He says they'll have 10 voting stations set up inside the lobby with the ability to bring in more if demand is higher than anticipated.

There are usually far fewer contested Republican races for Summit County voters to consider than the number of Democrats that go head-to-head.  This election, however, the nation is watching the hotly contested campaigns of Republican presidential hopefuls.   Koehler says interest in that race will prompt plenty of people to case ballots.

There are other reasons to vote, too.  There's a contested Republican primary for U.S. Senator, contested Democratic primaries for Summit County Sheriff and Summit County Prosecutor, in addition to contested races for various Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio House and U.S. Congressional seats. 

Norton city leaders are asking for more money to pay for safety services.  Woodridge voters will determine a school levy.

Koehler says people can also ask the board to mail a ballot to them.

"Yes, and it takes care of the problem of waiting in line," said Koehler

The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is February 6.