Secretary of State John Gale said slightly more than 23 percent of Nebraska voters turned out for Tuesday's primary elections.

The state average was dragged down by low turnout in larger counties. In Douglas County, which includes Omaha, about 17 percent of voters went to the polls.

Meanwhile, turnout in Lancaster County was almost 26 percent, and in Adams County, nearly 34 percent.

In 2006, 35 percent of voters statewide participated in primary elections. That was the year Gov. Dave Heineman defeated Nebraska football legend and U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne in the Republican gubernatorial race.