Voter turnout in Gary’s 2026 primary election varied widely across precincts, with clear gaps between council districts. In some locations, participation far exceeded the county average, while others saw only a small percentage of registered voters cast ballots.
An examination of registered voters, ballots cast on election day, and overall turnout percentages shows how civic engagement unfolded across the city. Viewing the data by council district, rather than neighborhood, provides a clearer picture of voter participation across Gary in the election.
Gary’s 1st District had a higher voter turnout than other city districts, but largely because of two locations: Marquette United Methodist Church and Park Shore Commons. With 35% and 32% of voters, respectively, they more than doubled the Lake County average turnout of 16%.
District 2 had the lowest overall turnout in the city, with most precincts falling between 10% and 17% of voters. Gary Fire Station #9 had the weakest turnout at 10.84%, while Gary Public Library led the district at 16.91%.
Gary’s 3rd District has the most voting locations in the city with seven, and the second-most registered voters. It also hosts the third-lowest turnout precinct, with Lake Etta only reporting 6%.
District 4 showed the most consistent turnout across its seven precincts, with 13% and 26% of registered voters casting ballots. Love Feast Church topped the district at 25.51%, while Trinity Baptist Church had the lowest showing at 12.93%.
District 5 had the fewest registered voters of any Gary district at 7,458 and was home to the two lowest-turnout precincts in the entire city. Daniel Hale Williams Elementary recorded just 2 votes out of the 42 registered voters at 4.76%. Turnout at Gary Fire Station #13 was 6.28%.
District 6 was the most consistent of all Gary districts. Turnout in six of its eight precincts was between 13% and 18%, giving it the narrowest turnout range citywide. Life Church International led at 18.21%, while Kennedy Branch Library precincts were the district’s weakest at just over 10%.
