Voter turnout for the Indiana primary May 3 was higher than in the primaries for the 2014 and 2012 races, but didn’t quite beat 2008 numbers across the state.

Overall, 38 percent of Indiana’s 4.7 million registered voters cast a ballot on May 3, according to Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson.

Locally, 34 percent of St. Joseph County voters voted on May 3, as well as 35 percent of both Elkhart County and LaPorte County voters. Marshall County had the highest local voter turnout at 41 percent.

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

By comparison, voter turnout in the 2008 primary was 38 percent in St. Joseph County, 41 percent in Elkhart County, 40 percent for LaPorte County and 36 percent for Marshall County. Statewide, 62 percent of the 4.5 million registered Indiana voters cast a ballot in the 2008 primary.