Tuesday is Election Day across the U.S., as New Jersey and Virginia choose new governors and hundreds of cities, counties and towns elect their local government leaders.

The highest-profile election is in Virginia, where Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, and Republican Ed Gillespie, a Republican, are waging something of a proxy rematch of the 2016 presidential race. Polls suggest the race is very close. In New Jersey, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy is heavily favored to defeat Republican Kim Guadagno, the incumbent lieutenant governor.

Call 866-OURVOTE, the Election Protection Hotline, if you have trouble casting your vote or to report any problems at your polling place.

State and local races like those on tomorrow’s ballots generally attract far less media attention and are marked by lower turnouts than presidential and congressional elections. But voting is always important and you should never miss a chance to make your voice heard.

If you’re in one of the five states with contests for state offices – New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia – you can find your polling place by texting Common Cause’s mobile program; 97779 on your mobile device.

Use these keywords: New York – NYvote; New Jersey – NJvote; North Carolina – NCvote; Pennsylvania – PAvote; Virginia – VAvote and follow the instructions.

You can also find a trove of helpful voting information on the national Election Protection website: www.866OURVOTE.org.

The OURVOTE site has links to state election sites that will help you pinpoint your voting location, along with voting hours and identification requirements. It also has detailed information about what to do if you encounter a problem casting your ballot. Lawyers on duty at the Election Protection headquarters in Washington will be available to assist voters who have difficulty at the polls. There is no charge for this service.

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