Election Data: Saline County Sees Moderate Voter Engagement in 2024 Primary

Joshua Barnhart -

SALINE, Kan., August 6, 2024 — The preliminary results of the 2024 primary election in Saline County reveal a moderate voter turnout and a significant partisan divide. According to the unofficial election night results, 16.50 percent of the county's 24,482 registered voters cast ballots, reflecting varying levels of engagement among different political affiliations.

The data shows that all 50 Election Day precincts reported results, marking a complete reporting status for Election Day voting. However, only 46 out of 50 absentee and early voting precincts reported, indicating that some votes are still being processed.

Out of the total registered voters in Saline County, 6,884 are registered with the Democratic Party, while 17,598 are registered Republicans.

Voter Participation and Turnout Rates:

  • Total Ballots Cast: 4,040
  • Democratic Party: 764 ballots (11.10% turnout)
  • Republican Party: 3,276 ballots (18.62% turnout)
  • Blank Ballots: 12

Breakdown of Voting Methods:

  • Election Day Voting:
    • Total: 2,768 ballots
    • Democratic: 439
    • Republican: 2,329
    • Blank: 8
  • Early Voting:
    • Total: 840 ballots
    • Democratic: 174
    • Republican: 666
    • Blank: 3
  • Advance Voting:
    • Total: 432 ballots
    • Democratic: 151
    • Republican: 281
    • Blank: 1

Republican voters demonstrated higher engagement with an 18.62 percent turnout, casting 3,276 ballots out of 17,598 registered Republican voters. In contrast, Democratic voter turnout was 11.10 percent, with 764 ballots cast out of 6,884 registered Democratic voters.

The trend of early and advance voting continues to grow, with 1,272 ballots cast before Election Day. This shift indicates a changing landscape in voter behavior, potentially driven by convenience and accessibility.

While the current figures are unofficial and pending final verification, they offer a snapshot of the political dynamics in Saline County. The higher Republican turnout aligns with the party's larger registration numbers, suggesting a robust engagement within the local GOP base.

As the election process concludes and official results are confirmed, these preliminary findings will help shape the understanding of voter behavior and party support leading into the general election. The data underscores the importance of voter participation and the impact of each ballot cast in determining the political future of Saline County.