Kobach to predict voter turnout

Topeka — Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on Thursday will make his voter turnout prediction for the general election.

During the last presidential election in 2008, 1,264,208 Kansans cast ballots, or 72.3 percent of registered voters.

During that contest, Republican John McCain got 57 percent of the vote, and Democrat Barack Obama got 42 percent with minor party candidates getting the remainder.

This time, Republican Mitt Romney will almost certainly win Kansas, so the real contests will be in the downballot legislative, State Board of Education and local races.

The election will also be the first presidential contest in Kansas under the new requirement, pushed by Kobach, to show photo ID to vote. Early voting continues through Monday, and Tuesday is Election Day.