HARTFORD (AP) — Registered Democrats and Republicans will find some familiar names on the ballot in Tuesday's primary, with the bulk of the legislative primaries involving challenges of incumbent state lawmakers.

Of the dozen General Assembly primaries scheduled across the state, 10 involve incumbents from both parties. In some cases, veteran legislators are being challenged by members of their own party who contend it's time for a change.

The fate of these races is uncertain, given the projected low turnout. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said it's "very notable that there's no statewide primary" this year, predicting turnout will be totally driven by the local races.

"Usually there's one, either Republican or Democrat," she said. "In that case, at least you have something going on in every town."

Here are some highlights of what to expect on Tuesday:

VETERAN LAWMAKERS CHALLENGED

Some of the incumbent legislators facing primaries have served for years in the General Assembly.

Assistant Deputy Speaker Louis Esposito, D-West Haven, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1993. He's being challenged by Michael A. DiMassa, a revenue clerk in West Haven's tax collector's office who garnered the local party's endorsement.

"The simple fact is, we need change in Hartford and we need leadership that's not tied to the same old ineffective insider rules," DiMassa said when announcing his candidacy in April. Esposito has questioned why the party would not stick with someone with experience as the state continues to face difficult economic times.

In New Britain, well-known Democratic Sen. Terry Gerratana, the co-chairman of the legislature's Public Health Committee, is facing a challenge from Sharon Beloin-Saavedra, president of the city's school board. Gerratana, who has touted her experience and leadership, was first elected to the Senate in 2011. She previously served in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2004. Beloin-Saavedra has served 11 years on the New Britain Board of Education — eight as chairman.

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BUSY BRIDGEPORT

The state's most populous city will have the most primary races on Tuesday.

Bridgeport state Sens. Marilyn Moore and Ed Gomes are facing challenges from fellow Democrats who managed to win the local party's backing at the May conventions. Bridgeport City Council President Thomas McCarthy is facing off against Moore, while Bridgeport Board of Education Chairman Dennis Bradley is challenging Gomes, who had to sue to get his name on Tuesday's primary ballot.

Also, two Democratic House members who represent Bridgeport, Reps. Andre F. Baker Jr. and Charlie Stallworth will have to fight off challenges to get a spot on the November general election ballot. Baker faces Charles J. Coviello Jr. while Stallworth is up against Maria H. Pereira.

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OTHER PRIMARIES

Rep. Ernest Hewett, a Democrat who has served in the House since 2005, is facing a primary battle in New London. His challenger is Chris Soto, a U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and founder of a nonprofit called Higher Edge, which helps guide low-income and first-generation college students. Hewett narrowly won his local town committee's endorsement.

Meanwhile, Republican Reps. Jason Perillo of Shelton and Jay M. Case of Winsted will appear on Tuesday's primary ballot. Perillo, who has served in the House since 2007, is up against Ruth Parkins. Case, first elected in 2013, is being challenged by David G. LaPointe.

In Stamford, first-term Democratic Rep. Terry Adams is battling fellow Democrat Dan Dauplaise to advance to the general election.

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THE RULES

Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in Connecticut's primaries. Monday at noon is the deadline for new or unaffiliated voters to register with a party in person with local registrars of voters or town clerks.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Besides legislative seats, there are also primaries for registrars of voters and judges of probate in a handful of communities.