News 8 is your local election headquarters, and voting is underway Tuesday in 21 communities across Connecticut.

It’s primary day in 21 cities and towns. The polls opened at 6 a.m. and they will be open until 8 p.m. and you must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to take part and vote. These are the towns that have primaries on Tuesday: Lauren Doninger voted on Tuesday morning in Hamden,

There are Democratic primary elections in 11 towns and cities, and Republican primary contests in 10 other municipalities.

The polling places that are being audited are in Bridgeport, Higganum, New Haven, North Haven and Norwalk. Three Norwalk locations are being audited.

Connecticut residents registered as a Democrat or a Republican can vote in their party's local municipal Primary election.

Fairfield, Connecticut will hold a special election for first selectman in the coming months, with Democrat Christine Vitale and Republican State Senator Tony Hwang vying for the town’s top position.

Tuesday will mark Election Day in Connecticut, where primary elections are generally considered “closed” elections. This means that only registered members of a political party are eligible to vote in their party’s primary.

The Registrar of Voters is encouraging Newtown residents to stay informed and exercise their right to vote ahead of election season later this November. This year, Newtown residents will vote to seat