While things are mostly locked in for both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to face off in November, people are still heading to the polls in New York for Tuesday’s presidential primary. Spectrum News 1 asked people voting early for their thoughts on the race, and the state of politics in New York and the United States.

“Though my vote today isn’t going to change who the nominees are, I think it’s important for me to express my vote,” Craig Dudczak said while voting in Central New York.

“Democracy for one,” said Charles Krathaus said.

Martha Osowski agreed.

“Keeping democracy healthy, and I think voting is the way to start that,” she said while casting her ballot in Rochester.

The toned down primary didn’t stop people from heading to the polls with a focus on the key issues that will inform their decision come November.

“Immigration, the economy, the unrest in the world, the Israeli-Gaza battle, the Ukraine-Russia War,”  said John Osowski.

In discussing those issues, there were hints of optimism from voters like Krathaus.

“I think the economy is doing better,” he said.

That optimism is tempered though by frustration. He said he sees more progress and compromise from state level politicians in New York, but he is concerned by significant problems at the national level.

“Both sides stay in their own corner, and the people are the losers,” he said.

That's a sentiment shared by Martha Osowski.

“It’s divisive, I think that’s unfortunate, and it’s gotten mean and I think that’s very unfortunate,” she said.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. You can watch live primary election coverage on Spectrum News 1 starting at 8:45 p.m.