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Amid all the excitement, don't forget Tuesday's voting

JANESVILLE — Perhaps this weekend's political hoopla will inspire more than the 20 percent of Wisconsin voters expected to go to the polls Tuesday.

Yes, tomorrow.

The announcement of Janesville native Paul Ryan as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's running mate was exciting, but we mustn't let it distract us from the Wisconsin partisan primary election that will narrow the field for legislative elections in November.

It's a tricky election. In addition to being the fifth of six elections in the state this year, it includes changes and one important rule.

Here are three you need to know:

1. The Legislature since 2010 has figuratively stuck a spoon in Wisconsin's voting districts and stirred. Many voters will be casting ballots in districts that are new to them. Some legislators will be incumbents in one district but candidates in another.

Here's what those moves look like:

-- Janis Ringhand is the incumbent in the 80th Assembly District, but redistricting puts her in the 45th Assembly District, where she faces Sheila De Forest in the primary. The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary between Beth Schmidt and Russell Rucker.

-- Amy Loudenbeck is the incumbent in the 45th Assembly District, but redistricting puts her in the 31st Assembly District, where she is the only Republican candidate. She'll face Democrat Ryan Schroeder in November.

-- Stephen Nass is the incumbent in the 31st Assembly District, but redistricting puts him in the 33rd Assembly District, where he is the only Republican candidate. He'll face Democrat Scott Allan Woods in November.

-- Tammy Baldwin is the incumbent in the 2nd Congressional District, which has new boundaries. However, Baldwin is leaving that seat for a run at the U.S. Senate seat being left open by the retirement of Herb Kohl.

Four Democrats will compete in the primary for the 2nd Congressional District seat, which remains a heavily liberal district. In November, the winner will face the only Republican candidate, Chad Lee.

Janesville remains in the 44th Assembly District.

2. This is a partisan primary. That means you must vote for all Republicans or all Democrats. If you cross parties, your ballot will be rejected.

During the regular election in November, you can vote for candidates in any party you like.

Tomorrow, if you vote Democratic, you will be selecting a candidate to take over Tammy Baldwin's 2nd District congressional seat in Washington, D.C. Running are Dennis Hall, Matt Silverman and state Reps. Mark Pocan and Kelda Helen Roys

Democratic voters also will choose between Democrats Debra Kolste, Sam Liebert, Kevin Murray and Yuri Rashkin to run against incumbent Republican state Rep. Joe Knilans in the 44th District, which includes most of Janesville.

Those who vote Republican can have a say in who will compete against Baldwin to replace retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.

Running are Tommy Thompson, Jeff Fitzgerald, Eric Hovde and Mark Neumann.

3. In addition to a new district, you might find your polling place has changed. Visit Wisconsin's Voter Public Access website, vpa.wi.gov, to learn whether you are registered, find out where you vote and see the ballot for your location.