Voters across our region are heading to the polls today to decide the fate of candidates in several primary elections. Primary Day was moved to today to avoid a conflict with the September 11th remembrances. Our Brad Vivacqua has a preview of some of the larger races in the area.

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NEW YORK -- All together, there are about 40 contested primary races throughout our coverage area today. That includes everything from State Legislature to county justice positions.

If you're wondering if you should head to the polls, it depends on your party and where you're registered.

In the new 101st State Assembly District, which includes areas in Herkimer, Oneida, Otsego, Delaware, Sullivan, Ulster, and Orange counties, incumbent Claudia Tenney is running against Walden Mayor Brian Maher on both the Republican and Conservative lines.

In the new 115th Assembly District, which represents Clinton, Franklin, and part of St. Lawrence County, there's a three-way race between incumbent Janet Duprey, Karen Bisso, and David Kimmel on the Republican line.

In the 133rd Assembly District, which covers Steuben and Livingston counties, Bill Nojay and Richard Burke are squaring off on the Republican ballot.

Finally, in a State Senate race in the 51st District, which encompasses Cayuga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Herkimer, Schoharie, Delaware, and Ulster counties, incumbent James Seward is in a Republican primary against James Blake.

The geography of some of the districts has changed, so if you have questions, your best option is to visit your Board of Elections website.

In addition to the State Legislature positions, there are a number primaries across the region today for county and town positions.

One of the Elections Commissioners in Onondaga County says despite being a slow primary year in her county, it's important to make your vote count.

"We've seen ties in town elections, we've seen ties in primaries, so your vote is very important. And, if you're supporting a particular candidate and they lose by one vote, and they find out you didn't vote, they're going to be pretty upset with you. So, it is important to get out and vote, and you're determining who the candidates are in the fall," said Helen Kiggins Walsh, Onondaga Co. Board of Elections Commissioner.

Polls in most locations are open from noon to 9 p.m.