It could be argued that a primary election vote counts even more than a general election vote.

That’s because turnout for primary elections is notoriously low, meaning fewer votes can tip the balance in any given race.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach estimated on Thursday that the state would have a 22 percent turnout in Tuesday’s primary election. That’s 22 percent of registered Kansas voters and presumably doesn’t include some 19,000 would-be voters whose registrations are being held “in suspense” because they aren’t accompanied by the residents’ proof of citizenship.

With only about one in five Kansas voters participating in Tuesday’s primary, every vote is a little more important, especially in some high profile contests.

Among the most active races is the one for U.S. Senate, where incumbent Pat Roberts is being challenged by two Republicans, including Dr. Milton Wolf of Leawood. At the state level, Scott Morgan of Lawrence is running against Kobach in the Republican primary for secretary of state, and a slate of five Republicans are seeking to replace the retiring Sandy Praeger as state insurance commissioner.

Locally, Tuesday’s primary likely will determine who represents the 45th District in the Kansas House. Incumbent Tom Sloan is being challenged by Jeremy Ryan Pierce for the Republican nomination and no Democrat has filed for the seat. Two Lawrence Democrats — Dennis “Boog” Highberger and Abbie Hodgson are seeking to replace Paul Davis in the 46th District House seat, with the winner facing Republican Doug Robinson in November.

Voters in Tuesday’s primary also are likely to have the final say on who represents most of Lawrence on the Douglas County Commission. Two Democrats — incumbent Mike Gaughan and Greg Robinson — but no Republicans, are on the ballot for the 1st District commission seat.

If the prediction of a 22 percent turnout holds true, relatively few voters will cast ballots in each of these races and, consequently, relatively few votes will decide who advances to the general election. That means it’s even more important for people who have an interest in these races to make the effort to vote.

Voters can cast ballots at the Douglas County Clerk’s office until noon Monday or go to their local polling place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday. If you’re unsure about your polling place, you can contact the county clerk. And don’t forget that you need to bring photo identification with you to vote.

Every election is important and every vote counts. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard.