New figures show the May primary produced high voter turnout

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – There was 38 percent voter turnout statewide in the May 3 primary election, according to figures released Friday by the Secretary of State.

That compares to just 22 percent in 2012.

The record in an Indiana primary election was set in 2008 when Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama here. The turnout that year was 40 percent.

A big factor in the turnout was early voting. It grew from 11 percent in 2008 to 16 percent in 2016.

In all, close to 1.8 million voters took part in the primary. Secretary of State Connie Lawson says even more will vote in November.

“Counties are going to need to be ready for a large turnout again and we’re gonna do some outreach to encourage early voting so people won’t be standing in line,” she said. “I’m expecting a very high turnout in the fall.”

Hamilton County had one of the highest turnouts at 47 percent as turnout appeared to be strongest in Republican areas.

The biggest turnout was in Vermillion County at 51 percent.

In Marion County, turnout was among the lowest at just 33 percent.