Average Turnout Expected For SD Primary

Sioux Falls, SD

Thousands of South Dakota voters have already cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

Republicans, Democrats and registered Independents all have something to vote for, but an average turnout is expected.  

William Rossing is just one of the thousands of South Dakota voters who decided to cast their ballot early. He voted at the Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office Monday.

"We enjoy coming down here and getting it out of the way so we don't miss it you know," Rossing said.

More than 7,500 South Dakotans have voted early ahead of the primary. In Minnehaha and Pennington Counties, the absentee voting has been about the same as the last primary in 2010.

Statewide, Secretary of State Jason Gant is expecting voter turnout to be between 25 and 30 percent Tuesday, which is a little below the average of 32 percent.

"I just think it's my duty as a voter to make my vote known," Nancy Semler said as she voted in Minnehaha County Monday.

And voters who are making their decisions early say picking candidates in the primaries for both Democrats and Republicans is just as important as voting in the November election.

Semler voted in the Democratic primary Monday and picked a candidate to run against U.S. House incumbent Kristi Noem.

"I think we need to make a good choice that will give us a strong showing in November," Semler said.

Rossing voted for several state legislative candidates in the Republican primary Monday.

"I think we like to have input into the whole process and the primary is the first step in that direction," Rossing said.

Sioux Falls will be using the traditional precincts for voters Tuesday instead of the voting centers that were used in the city election.

Independent voters will be allowed to vote in the Democratic primary for the first time in a statewide race.

Visit the KELOLAND.com Campaign 2012 page for primary day resources.

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