Indiana’s primary election day is next Tuesday – and these elections have seen historically low turnout when compared to the rest of the country.  As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, one candidate on the ballot is raising awareness about the importance of voting.

Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch is on Tuesday’s ballot as one of five GOP candidates for governor. So it’s important for her to talk about voting.

“So few people, probably less than 20 percent of Hoosiers, eligible Hoosier voters will vote in this primary,” said Crouch.  “And so when you do kind of give up your right to vote, you’re also giving up your right to choose who your future leaders are going to be. So I would encourage everyone to get out and vote.”

Read More: GOP governor candidates spend $35 million in most expensive primary in state history

Voter turnout in Indiana has been low for a number of years. According to documents from the Indiana Secretary of State, only 12 percent of eligible voters participated in last year’s primaries.

Early voting continues through Monday, May 6 at noon. On election day Tuesday, polls are open from 6:00 AM to 6:0o PM.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu.