NY Primary Elections happening Tuesday

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--- On Tuesday, eligible New Yorkers will be able to vote in their party’s primary.

"We have a closed primary system, which means you must be enrolled in a particular political party in order to vote in that party’s primary elections," explained Kathleen McGrath, spokesperson for the New York State Board of Elections.

This year, Congressional candidates will be running in newly drawn districts.

"For the most part, the district lines are more incumbent friendly," said Jeff Wice, an adjunct professor at New York Law School. "Friendlier to Democrats and Republican’s alike. But there are a few competitive races within the parties and that’s really the key to what we need to look at."

One of the biggest races this year is for the 16th Congressional district. Democratic incumbent Jamaal Bowman is being challenged by Westchester County Executive, George Latimer.

In Central New York, Democratic State Senator John Mannion is running against Dewitt Town Councilor, Sarah Klee Hood. Both are vying for Republican Incumbent, Brandon Williams’ seat.

"That will be one of the pivotal races in New York where we have an incumbent Republican who is damaged a little bit in the final redistricting— coming out with a more favorable Democratic district. We’ve got to really look at that district as one that might also weigh in on control of Congress."

State Senate and Assembly races will also be on the ballot. Democrats are looking to keep their super majority in the legislature.

According to McGrath, just over 100,000 New Yorkers voted early in person. She said it varies across the state whether a person has a primary where they live.

"We certainly encourage voters to contact their county board or to use the state board's voter lookup tool where they can see where their voting place is, as well as a sample ballot if they are eligible to vote tomorrow," said McGrath.

Polls open and 6 a.m. close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday.