It's Election Day and people are hitting the polls for races in more than 160 communities across Connecticut.

The polls opened at 6 a.m. in Connecticut. 

The race for Stamford mayor is one of the more high profile elections gaining national attention.

A big name in Major League Baseball, Bobby Valentine is taking on state Rep. Caroline Simmons.

Valentine casted his vote at Scofield Magnet Middle School around 8 a.m. while Simmons casted her vote at Stillmeadow Elementary School around the same time. 

Simmons defeated Mayor David Martin in the Democratic Primary in September and she has been representing Stamford's 144th District in the state legislature since 2014.

If elected, she vows to focus on rebuilding Stamford's schools, making the city more affordable and inclusive, and ensuring that all residents have a voice.

Former MLB player and Mets and Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine is running unaffiliated.

He campaigned on improving affordable housing and the school system, and attracting more businesses to Stamford.

The Former MLB player and Mets and Red Sox manager also served as Stamford's public safety director and is a business owner. 

Valentine has the backing of former president George W. Bush and both the Stamford teachers and police unions.

Simmons has the backing of a number of politicians including endorsements from Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Rep. Jim Himes and former President Barack Obama.

Stamford election officials say around 74,000 residents are registered to vote, and they are hoping for a 40 to 45% voter turnout which they say is typical for a mayoral race.