This is a primary of the likes, I've never seen. This is the first time that by the time they get to New York in April that everything is still on the table and unresolved. Stand-alone primary is working to our advantage this time because all the focus and attention is on New York state and the issues and the voters that live here and the issues they care about," said Lenihan.

"It does count more than even in the November election because when you think about it, as we're allocating delegates for the selection of the party's candidate, it's done by congressional district, so it's a smaller unit, than it is entirely statewide," said Ralph Mohr, Erie County Republican elections commissioner.

It's driving voter turnout to a potential record.

"By 9:30, over 15 percent of the people already voted, and that's after the booth has only been open for three hours. That's a big turnout," said Lenhian.

"That's much higher than we've experienced even in local primaries, so we're very optimistic," said Mohr.

Lenihan says last fall in the general election, there was only a 24 percent total voter turnout.