The polls are open across the state with several important races to be decided, including here in the Bay area.

Voters will decide key races in state GOP and democratic Senate primaries, House races and down to judges, school board members and commission seats.

In Hillsborough County, voters will decide Republican and Democrat District 16 primaries in addition to three new school board seats.

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Meanwhile in Pinellas, U.S. Rep David Jolly looks to retain his District 13 seat against Mark Bircher in the primary race. Three school board races and property appraiser also will be decided.  

A variety of key school board, judge and commission seats also are up for grabs in Pasco and Hernando counties.

The big race in Citrus County is the sheriff’s Republican primary, which has three candidates: Steven Burch, Chuck Kanehl and Michael Prendergast.

Polk County residents will vote on the nonpartisan races for County Commission, School Board, county judge, and Constitutional Amendment 4.

Two commission races and two school board races highlight Primary Day in Manatee County.

Turnout may not be huge today across the area as many voters have already voted early or voted by mail.

The polls are open until 7 p.m.