Voters in Stratford headed to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in the Democratic primary for mayor, where two prominent local figures are vying for the party’s nomination.

David Chess, the party-endorsed candidate, is facing off against Linda Manos.

Chess, a physician and longtime Stratford resident, has emphasized his ties to the community and experience in public health.

Manos, who serves as vice chair of the town’s Zoning Commission, is campaigning on her record of community engagement and local governance.

Also on the ballot is René Gibson, who is seeking a seat on the Town Council. Speaking to News 12, Gibson stressed the importance of participating in local elections.

“It’s important to me because local government actually is mainstream government,” Gibson said. “It’s where the decisions are made after the federal government and the state government allocate funds to our towns and cities, and then the decisions are made by mayors and councilmen and women, by the Board of Education, chair people.”

Polls are set to close at 8 p.m.