The State Board of Elections announced Thursday that turnout data for the May 2008 primary election is now available on its website at www.elect.ky.gov. Statewide turnout was 32.2 percent for the primary election, marking the highest turnout in Kentucky history for a Presidential Primary. That increase is in line with rising turnout percentages in general elections that had been seen over the last few years in Kentucky. Only last year's fall Gubernatorial election defied that trend.

“I am ecstatic to see a much higher number of citizens participating in the primary election process,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky's Chief Election Official. “I am optimistic that this increased turnout foreshadows a record turnout for the fall election.”

Franklin, Knott, and Floyd Counties had the highest turnout percentages with 54.9 percent, 47.2 percent, and 45.0 percent of registered voters turning out to vote, respectively. Monroe, Cumberland, and Clinton Counties had the lowest turnout percentage with 10.6 percent, 15.1 percent, and 15.3 percent, respectively. Statewide, Democrats, Republicans, and voters listed as Other turned out at 43.5 percent, 19.7 percent, and 3.9 percent, respectively.

Turnout in the 2004 primary election, the most recent comparable election, was 14.0 percent. Turnout for the 2006 and 2007 primary elections were 31.4 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively.

For more detailed voter information, including statistics on individual county or precinct turnout, or to view more detailed turnout by age, gender, or party, visit: http://elect.ky.gov/stats/turnout.htm.