Turnout was also high compared to 2016 in the Great Plains states of Montana and North Dakota. These states aren’t closely contested in presidential elections, but featured major 2018 Senate races. South Dakota had no Senate seat up for election in 2018 but did have a highly competitive governor’s race. Conversely, Louisiana and North Carolina saw a relatively large decline in turnout from 2016, thanks to a lack of statewide races. Kentucky didn’t have any statewide races either, but a competitive House race in its 6th District drove high turnout around Lexington.

Source: Washington Post December 31, 2018 19:52 UTC