Election Day Sets Record Iowa Turnout of 1.56 Million

Amanda Washburn votes as De'Shaun Sanders, 7, the son of a friend, watches at Taylor School on Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, 2012, in Cedar Rapids. (Liz Martin/The Gazette-KCRG)

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By Ellen Kurt

Story Created: Nov 7, 2012 at 2:13 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2012 at 7:54 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowans set a record for turnout in a presidential election on Tuesday, and the percentage of registered voters casting ballots is the highest in 20 years.

The presidential race drew 1,558,252 voters, exceeding by 14,000 the previous high mark set in 2008.

Turnout was 72 percent, the highest figure since more than 80 percent of voters turned out in the 1992 election between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. Turnout was just over 71 percent in 2004 and 2008.

Iowa had nearly 2.2 million registered voters on Election Day.

The figures could change since several precincts reported significant voter registrations at the polls.

Iowa Secretary of State spokesman Chad Olsen says voter turnout could change as well since 22 precincts had still not reported totals as of Wednesday afternoon.

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