Secretary of State Releases 2016 Primary Election Voter Turnout Report

INDIANAPOLIS (May 20, 2016) — Secretary of State Connie Lawson today announced that 38 percent or 1,771,753 of Indiana’s 4.7 million registered voters cast a vote in the May 3 Primary Election. The complete 2016 Primary Election Turnout and Absentee Chart with voter statistics for each county can be viewed online at http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/2016_May_3_Primary_Turnout_and_Absentee_Information.pdf.  The report was compiled by the Secretary of State’s office using voter data gathered in Indiana’s 92 counties.  

Candidates and issues continue to drive turnout in elections. Voter Turnout in the 2016 primary is comparable to the 2008 primary. In 2008, 40 percent of registered Hoosiers voted in the primary election. In 2012, 22 percent of Hoosiers voted in the primary.  

“When Hoosiers are excited about candidates, it drives turnout,” said Secretary Lawson. “When you compare the turnout numbers for this year and 2008, the last time presidential candidates were in the state, you can see a correlation. When voters are motivated, it gets them to the polls.”  

“I would also like to congratulate Vermillion County on having the highest turnout in the state at 51 percent.” 

Early voting continues to rise in popularity. In 2008, early voting was at 11 percent for the primary election. It grew to 12 percent in 2012. This year, it reached 16 percent. Hoosiers are taking advantage of options the state has provided to make voting easier.  

Turnout statistics for previous elections can be found online at http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2400.htm.