Oregon Public Broadcasting

This is the last day of primary voting in Oregon. April Baer reports  the state's contests  seem to be drawing record turnout.

As of this morning, the Oregon Secretary of State's office says about forty percent of ballots had been returned. That's higher than usual. Democratic voter turnout is even higher--fifty four percent so far.

Republicans and Independents are also out in force today. 39 percent of GOP ballots are already in, and the independent return is at least twenty percent.

Historically, most ballots come in the last two days of primary voting.

Political interest in Oregon is running high because of the contested Democratic presidential nomination. In addition to the top spot Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are vying for, voters are being asked to pick candidates for an open seat in Congress, and decide who will get the democratic nomination to run for the U.S. Senate seat  now held by Republican Gordon Smith.

A slew of state legislative and city races are also on the ballot.

The Secretary of State's office estimates overall state turnout will reach fifty to sixty percent.