(AP) - Connecticut voters are going to the polls to choose legislative candidates, local officials and a congressional candidate in party primaries.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Eighteen primaries for the state legislature are being held, including 14 for the House of Representatives and four for the Senate.

A Democratic primary for Stratford's 121st House District seat was canceled Monday when Michael Singh withdrew his challenge to state Rep. Terry Backer.

Democrats are choosing a candidate to challenge Republican Congressman Chris Shays in November in southwestern Connecticut's 4th Congressional District. Challenger Lee Whitnum has collectedenough signatures to force a primary against Jim Himes, the Democrats' endorsed candidate.

Seven other primaries involve registrars of voters.