New York Primary Elections Take Place Around State

Voters across New York state are headed to the polls today for state and local primary elections. 

Polls opened at 6 this morning in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie Counties, and will remain open until 9. Voting begins at noon in all other counties.

Republican State Senator Roy MacDonald is hoping to hold off a challenge from Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione in the 43^rd district, a race MacDonald likely would not be running if not for his aisle-crossing vote for same-sex marriage last year.

Elsewhere, Rotterdam Assemblyman George Amedore will learn his Democratic opponent in the new 46^th district Senate race, as Cecilia Tkaczyk, Monica Arias Miranda and Tom Dolan face off today.

Cohoes Mayor John McDonald is facing Albany Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin in the race to replace retiring Assembly Majority Leader, Democrat Ron Canestrari, who is leaving the 108^th district seat.

Eight candidates, including six Democrats, are campaigning in the 109^th district in the contest to fill the seat of retiring Assemblyman Jack McEneny, one of the last links to the Corning machine in Albany.

Some voters will have new districts after a contentious redistricting process following the 2010 census data, adding another wrinkle to today’s vote.