Higher than expected voter turnout in the primary election

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Primary election voting numbers are typically low but the Secretary of State’s office says early data shows this year’s voter turnout may be higher than expected.

There was no line for most of the day at the Woodland and Ashland Avenue polling places in Lexington.

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes was expecting about ten percent voter turnout, based on the numbers seen in the 2011 primary.

She released a statement saying there was an uptick in absentee voting and turnout could end up being closer to 12%.

"Although the reports we have received indicate that turnout has been generally slow, it has been steady, and we saw an uptick in in-person absentee voting last week, so we are hopeful turnout will exceed our earlier prediction and end up closer to 12 percent. Polling places will remain open for several more hours, until 6 p.m. local time, so I encourage any eligible voter who hasn’t voted yet to make sure you get to your polling place by 6 p.m. and make your voice heard."

For many people who were at the polls to vote, they say that number isn’t high enough.

“Usually people just vote during the Presidential Election but the government that is picked today will make a difference in the next four years,” said Jason Murphy after he voted. “People need to put an input in what’s going to happen over the next four years.”

“Every election is important,” said Jerome Keller after he voted. “If we pick the wrong guy, we’re wasting our time. We need to vote for every election.”

Polls closed at six.

The winner of each party will move on to the general election in November.