Voting starts slow but steady at some Marion County centers, polls close at 6 p.m.

It’s primary Election Day in Marion County, and voters are headed to polling places around Indianapolis.

Vote centers are open across the city Tuesday for residents to choose candidates for numerous local positions. This primary election includes multiple contenders for the mayor’s office and the City-County Council. 

Voters can choose from 186 centers across the county, and need to bring an I.D. to vote. Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell said there are some big venues people can vote at again this year.

“Lucas Oil Stadium, they can vote where the Pacers play, they can go to Gainbridge Fieldhouse,” she said. “And even President Benjamin Harrison's home.”

Some voters will have a question whether to approve a property-tax increase for their local school districts. Referendums are on the ballot for Indianapolis Public Schools, Speedway and Warren Township. 

Voters have to choose a Democrat or Republican ticket in the primary race. Sweeney Bell said the one exception is for people who only want to vote on referendums.

“For voters who do not want to declare a party, but there is a public question where they live, they can request a public question only or a non-partisan ballot,” she said.

Some polling centers on the northside of Indianapolis had a slow start but picked up around midday as primary voting continued.

Voters at the Nora Public Library were greeted by the Republican running for City-County council in District 2. Matt Hills will run against one of two Democrats in the newly redrawn district. He says he wants to make an impact in this area.

“I really care about this community and want to give back and invest in the neighborhood I plan to raise them in with my wife,” Hills said.

Terry Cross Grey was campaigning for Monroe Gray, a Democratic incumbent on the City-County Council.  This year Grey voted early for the first time – and poll workers cheered her.

“So they just went up in a roar and said ‘good girl’ it was kinda fun,” Grey said.

Willa West lives at Nora Commons on the Monon. The senior living complex also served as a voting center. West says she believes voting is a right everyone should exercise.

“If your party doesn’t win don’t come and tell me, because it could be your fault because your vote would have counted,” West said.

Lee Myers voted at Nora Commons with her husband and says even despite a setback, she made it a point to vote today.

“Put it this way, I fell last night and hurt everything in my body but decided I should come,” Myers said.

Polls close at 6 p.m.

This story has been updated.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.