Minnesota Primary Turnout Estimated At 9.8 Percent

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Secretary of State's office estimates that only 9.8 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in Minnesota's primary election.

Spokesman Nathan Bowie says the turnout number is preliminary and unofficial. He says it won't be finalized until counties finish submitting data. An official turnout figure will be certified when the state canvassing board meets next Tuesday.

The secretary of state's initial projection before Tuesday's primary was for turnout of 10 to 15 percent. While dismal, the preliminary unofficial figure is not as low as the official primary turnout of 9.28 percent in 2012 or 7.73 percent in 2004.

Nearly 3.9 million Minnesotans are eligible to vote.