Several local and state primary races today

People will be hitting the polls throughout the day Thursday to cast their votes in several primary races around the area.

In Rensselaer County, people will cast their vote for two Independence candidates, with current Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove, a Republican, facing Democratic candidate Mary Pat Donnelly for the Independence line.

Voters can also choose who they want to elect as the Democratic candidate for the 107th New York State Assembly race. The 107th Assembly district covers parts of Rensselaer County. Democrats Tistrya G. Houghtling and Don Boyajian will face each other, with the winner then facing Republican 107th district Assemblyman Jake Ashby.

In Schodack, there will be a Conservative, Working Families, Women’s Equality Party, Independence and Reform line race for Town Justice between Olivia T. Karis-Nix and Ryan P. Mullahy.

In the city of Watervliet, Democrats Ellen Fogarty and current City Councilman Charles Patricelli will face off in a primary race for the council seat.

State-wide people will also cast their vote in a Democratic primary for the governor’s race with Gov. Andrew Cuomo challenging Cynthia Nixon. There will also be a Democratic primary race for Lt. Gov., with Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul challenging Jumaane Williams.

Voters will also see a four-way Democratic primary race for New York State Attorney General, between Sean Patrick Maloney, Letitia A. James, Leecia R. Eve and Zephyr Teachout going against each other. There will also be a reform primary race for Attorney General, between Nancy B. Sliwa and Christopher B. Garvey.

Voting for the primary elections will take place Thursday from noon until 9 p.m. throughout the state.