Primary Election Turnout Is Highest in at Least Two Decades

May 12, 2020, 11:54 p.m. ·

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Updated 12:30 p.m. CT, May 13

Voter turnout in Tuesday's primary election was the highest for a presidential primary in at least the last two decades.

As of midnight, about 471,000 Nebraskans cast a ballot, or 38.76% of registered voters.

Turnout in 2016 was about 27%. The next-highest turnout in recent years was 2000, with 31%.

More Nebraskans submitted ballots by mail than voted in total four years ago.

Although polling sites were open, state officials encouraged voting by mail to reduce traffic at in-person polling sites due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Counties with the highest turnout include Cherry (70.98%), and McPherson, Grant, and Garden (about 67% each). Counties with the lowest turnout include Dakota (20.79%), Thurston (23.85%), an Scotts Bluff (26.45%).

See results and coverage of key races at netNebraska.org/campaignconnection2020.