First round of turnout numbers

Encouraging news from the Monroe Co. Board of Elections. Voter turnout numbers show interest in the New York Primary from Democrats is much higher than 4 years ago.

Here are the numbers as of 2:30 p.m.:

Democrats:
County - 11.9%
City of Rochester - 11.7%
Towns- 12%

County in 2004 - 4.6%
in 2000 - 5.9%

It looks like there is high interest among local Democrats, and that both campaigns have successfully mobilized registered voters.

Republicans:
County - 8.3%
City - 9.6%
Towns - 8.1%

County in 2000 - 11.1%
(no numbers for 2004)

Why the decrease on the Republican side? In 2000, the Republican primary was a two horse race by this point, between George W. Bush and John McCain. The campaign was much higher profile, and more heated.