The Wisconsin Presidential primary Feb. 19 will likely have the highest voter turnout rate in decades, state officials said Wednesday.

Kyle Richmond, spokesperson for the state Government Accountability Board that handles all elections, said 35 percent of all eligible voters would likely turnout.

Richmond said because Wisconsin is an open primary, meaning a voter does not have to register for one political party, turnout would be larger than other primaries.

“Someone like McCain may value Wisconsin more than other closed primary states,” Richmond said, referring to the impact Independent voters could have on the primary.

Voters can also register to vote on Election Day, Richmond said. Absentee ballots are also available for voters who want to register and vote early. Wisconsin voter turnout has been below 25 percent in primary elections for the last 10 years.

Wisconsin had the second highest voter turnout in the United States among 18 to 29 year olds in 2006, according to a report by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. Minnesota had the highest turnout among young voters.

Numerous campaigns are planned around the state to increase youth voter turnout around the state, for the primary and general election.

Cedric Lawson, legislative affairs director for the United Council of UW Students, said the group would be more focused on the general election than the primary concerning voter turnout.