CHICAGO (AP) – The prospect of choosing between two presidential candidates with Illinois connections helped draw people to the polls in record numbers.

Nearly 33 percent of Illinois' eligible voters — that is, citizens who are 18 and older — cast votes in the primary election, American University's Center for the Study of the American Electorate said Wednesday.

The previous record was 29.7 percent in 1980, the organization said.

Local election officials around the state confirmed heavy turnout.

Cook County reported a new record. Fifty-two percent of registered voters — a different measure than the one used by American University — cast votes, compared to 40 percent in 1992 and 44 percent in 1952.

"There's no doubt suburban voters are determined to be heard," said County Clerk David Orr.

Chicago's 52.2 percent turnout was the sixth-highest for a presidential primary and might reach fifth place when every vote is counted, according to the Chicago Board of Elections. That was based on voter registration of 1.3 million. The Chicago record is 58.5 percent in 1984.

Sangamon County, home of the state Capitol, didn't set an overall record, but it did see a surge in Democratic voters. People cast more Democratic ballots than Republican ballots.

"This county is typically 2-to-1 Republican on turnout on the primary. This is a very Republican county and the fact that Democrats had more voters, it's a bit of surprise to some people," said Sangamon County Clerk Joe Aiello.

Democrats could choose between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who grew up in Illinois.

Democratic voters helped set a record in Champaign County, said Clerk Mark Shelden. About 39,000 votes were cast in Tuesday's primary, compared to the previous high of 33,000. And that was achieved despite long lines and streets flooded by rainstorms.

"It was a challenge for some voters to get out, but overall everything went smoothly," Shelden said.

Curtis Gans, director of the Center for the Study of the American Electorate, said that in addition to the overall turnout record, Illinois set a record in the Democratic primary.

He said 22.7 percent of eligible voters took part in the Democratic primary, compared to the previous record of 21 percent in 1984. Republican turnout was 10 percent, far from the 14.4 percent record in 1980.

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Associated Press reporters Nguyen Huy Vu in Springfield and Deanna Bellandi in Chicago contributed to this report.

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