Figure 1.5. Voter turnout in statewide primaries for governor and U.S. Senate, 1972–2008, for primaries held coincidentally with presidential primaries and those held separately.

Source. Curtis Gans, “The Primary Turnout Story: Presidential Races Miss Record High Senate and Governor Contests Hit Record Low,” Report, Center for the Study of the American Electorate, American University, http://wwwl.media.american.edu/electionexperts/2008%20Primary%20Turnout_Final.pdf, accessed August 26, 2009.