On Tuesday, November 5, Bostonians will have the opportunity to cast their vote for either state Representative Marty Walsh or City Councilor John Connolly for mayor of Boston. While the mayoral race is dominating the spotlight, City Councilor At-Large and District City Councilor seats will also be decided by voters.

(Click here to see the ballot order.)

No need to roll your eyes; BostInno understands that “How to Vote” may come across as self-explanatory. But we’re going to tell you anyway. For the first time in 20 years, Boston has a chance to elect someone other than Mayor Tom Menino. This is a crucial opportunity for the people of Boston to exercise their democratic right to vote. Make sure you know the basics.

Here’s what to do:

First, check to make sure you are a registered voter. You can do that here, by typing in your first and last name. Unfortunately, if you are not registered, you will not be able to vote. The last day to register to vote in this election was October 16.

(Click here to see a breakdown of WARD registration totals.)

If you are registered, your most important job is to just show up! Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the City. If you are in line before 8 p.m. you will be able to cast your vote. People who show up in line at 8:01 p.m. won’t be allowed to do so. If you were planning on casting an absentee ballot, we hope you planned ahead.

Absentee ballots must be received by noon on the day before the election — tomorrow, Monday, November 4. If mailed, fold the form, tape it closed, place a first class stamp on it, print your city or town name and zip code for that city or town hall and drop into any mailbox. Absentee ballots can also be hand delivered to the proper polling station.

Bostonians will vote using optical scanning equipment — designed to make voting easier and more accurate. Upon arrival at the polling station, give your name and address to the Election Officer at check-in to receive your ballot.

Remember SATs, or any other standardized test? Same idea. Fill in the ovals using only pen or pencil. If you make an error, no sweat, just request a new ballot from the Election Officer. Fill in the oval completely.

After you’ve cast your vote, proceed to check-out. Provide you name and address once again before placing your ballot into the scanner — printed side up, or down. Doesn’t matter.

A note for college students:

If you are registered in Boston under your home address, but live on campus in another part of the city, you must go to you home polling location. You are not eligible for an absentee ballot.

Alright, Boston. There you have it. Pretty simple and, yes, self-explanatory. BostInno’s throwing it back at you now. Get out and vote. It doesn’t matter who you vote for. Participation is the goal.