Turnout Is Up In New York Congressional Primaries, But Still Trails Other States

Turnout for Tuesday's New York Congressional primaries improved from four years ago, but it's still low compared to the rest of the nation. 

Turnout was 11 percent of all eligible voters in the federal primaries — up a third from four years ago. But those gains trail states like Illinois, which saw turnout triple from 2014. A New York Times analysis found Democratic turnout has increased in at least 123 districts this year compared to 2014.

Locally, the seven-way Democratic primary in the Hudson Valley's 19th District led the way with 23 percent percent of Democrats casting a ballot in that race. It was 17 percent in the Republican primary for a Staten Island and Brooklyn district won by Dan Donovan that drew national attention.

And nearly 12 percent of voters cast a ballot in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez' upset victory in a district covering parts of Queens and the Bronx. That turnout is despite the fact the district hasn't had a competitive primary in 14 years.

Experts like the Brookings Institution's Elaine Kamarck say increased primary turnout can preview Democratic gains this fall. But Kamarck and others caution that primary turnout is just one factor and political conditions could change between now and November.

New York is regularly near the bottom of the nation in terms of turnout. The state has no early voting and the deadline to register is sixth months before the election. And state and federal primaries are held on different days.