People in the Valley and the entire state of West Virginia are casting their votes in today’s West Virginia primary election.

The polls have been open since 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and will remain open until 7:30 p.m.

There has been a steady stream of people coming in and out of the polling places casting their ballots.

The West Virginia primary is critical on the Democratic side with contenders Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama.

“Especially this election with everything that’s going on in the world and our country,” said Ted Ameredes, a voter.

Obama and Clinton have been touring the state in a last-minute attempt to gain voters.

Valley residents know choosing the next president is important, but they are also saying they are concerned about who will take local seats of leadership.

“I feel that local issues in Brooke County, our commissioner, also Board of Education and state Senate, things such as that, you got to really study candidates and what they are looking to do for you,” said Bob DiLorenzo, another voter.

Poll workers said the primary election in West Virginia is bringing more people than ever out to the polls.

“This morning, I’ve noticed there’s been a stream here since 7 a.m.,” said poll worker Carol Kennedy.

The reason is that voters say they want change.

A weak economy also is among other issues driving voters to cast their ballots.

“With gas issues, the war and everything that’s going on, some major issues here and we have to try and do something,” Ameredes said.

“You can’t complain about anything unless you get out there and try and make change yourself,” Ameredes said.

Mike McTeague, NEWS9's political analyst, said the fact that the primary battle between Clinton and Obama has gone on so long adds prestige to West Virginia's primary election.

"West Virginia will have a pivotal role," said McTeague. "(That election) will add more delegates possibly for Mrs. Clinton."

However, analysts say both candidates have a vested interest in winning West Virginia, a state whose primary rarely attracts much national attention.

A win in West Virginia could keep Clinton in the race for a few more weeks and allow Obama to deliver a knockout blow.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for complete election coverage of the West Virginia primary and the other five primaries Tuesday as the race heads down to the wire.

Throughout the night, NEWS9 will have the latest results on the bottom of the screen and on WTOV9.com. You can also count on NEWS9's team of reporters to bring you the very latest during the West Virginia primary election day.

In addition to coverage, NEWS9 will also have a 10 p.m. special newscast with all the latest results. You can catch it on WTOV9 Weather Plus.

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