| Democratic | Republican | Green | Nonpartisan | |
| 1990 | 4,765 | 18,127 | 245 | |
| 1992 | 17,110 | 12,949 | 30 | |
| 1994 | 10,559 | 12,897 | 1,296 | |
| 1996 | 6,498 | 13,710 | ||
| 1998 | 8,276 | 12,738 | ||
| 2000 | 11,762 | 21,308 | 781 | |
| 2002 | 9,924 | 18,552 | 163 | |
| 2004 | 11,945 | 14,111 | 136 | |
| 2006 | 7,196 | 14,332 | 46 | 1,121 |
Edit: Sorry about the formatting. We'll try to get it fixed.
This chart is the turnout for each the parties since 1990 in the primary elections. High turnout has generally been the result of local races of interest. For example, in 2000 Tim Johnson was squaring off against Bill Brady for Congress. We also had a hotly contested judicial primary on the Republican side. In 2002 Bob Steigman was facing Rita Garman. 1990 had a contest for judge and a bunch of committeemen contests.
For the Democrats, the most notable election is 1992 when there was a primary between Laurel Prussing and David Thies for State Rep. That was also the "Year of the Woman" and Carol Moseley Braun knocked off Alan Dixon that year.
But for evidence that nonlocal races don't necessarily drive turnout, look at the 1994 Democratic primary that was hotly contested by Dick Phelan, Roland Burris, and the pool shooting straight shooter Dawn Clark Netsch.
This year, Republicans nationwide seem unenthusiastic, so even the fact that the race is up in the air, the turnouts have not been high across the country. On the Democratic side, Illiois might be the only state where the winner is perceived as a given. It's hard to imagine either of the leading Democratic candidates coming here. With no television ads, few local races, and few referenda, its hard to guess just how many people will show up to vote.
One final point. The weather may play a role next Tuesday. Right now the forecast is rain, but I'm sure that forecast won't hold for long.
Anyone want to throw out a guess for turnout?
Mark,
This is just Champaign County numbers right?
"In 2002 Bob Steigman was facing Rita Garman."
There was also a primary for State Senator between Rick Winkel and Judy Myers.
Hey why not, around 9000 for Dems and 14000 for Rep is that safe enough? I think your right that there has not been much noise and Obama is really pretty much a sure thing. On the other hand we really do have for the first time the opportunity to by our vote help decide the next republican Presidential nominee.
Was there a bunch of stuff missing from the sample ballot in yesterday's paper? The Shane Cultra - David Tomlinson race was not there that I could find. Also, no county board races on the republican side?
I've been saying for months and months that I thought we'd probably have near record turnout on the Democratic side, maybe 15 or 16,000. More people are energized by this presidential race than any previous one I can remember, including Paul Simon's run in 1988.
It is also important to remember that students are in town this time, which has not always been the case historically, and they seem highly motivated for Obama.
Supporters of all three major candidates feel that they need to make a statement, and there is much broader recognition now about the need to grab delegates anywhere they can, even in a state where they may be expected to lose overall. The drama is up, emotions are running high, and people are going to come out if the weather permits.
In 1972, when county registration was just under 63,000 total, over 18,000 came out to vote in the Democratic primary. After watching the totals in the first four contests in other states, I would not be surprised if we set a new record.
Ok Kevin it's your party but I sure have not heard much but this wouldn't be the first quiet campaign by anyone.
1972 I was in 2nd grade.
Was there a bunch of stuff missing from the sample ballot in yesterday's paper? The Shane Cultra - David Tomlinson race was not there that I could find. Also, no county board races on the republican side?
Yes, there was a lot missing. The News-Gazette made the error and will be running the correct ad on Wednesday along with an explination of their error. It should have been about four full pages of ballots. The specimen ballot will also run in the Savoy Star newspaper on Thursday.