Photo by Clay Schuldt Voter turnout was generally high throughout the city, including here in Ward 4, which had 130 voters at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1400 S. State St. by mid-morning on Tuesday.

NEW ULM — It was a unique primary election for the city with five-way primary race for New Ulm mayor.

In the mayoral race, Kathleen Backer took a commanding lead in the vote count. As of 10:30 p.m., six of New Ulm’s eight precincts had reported. Backer received 1,335 votes (62%). Ronald Wendinger has the second most votes with 524 (24.6%). Jeff Kiecker received 120 (5.6%); Lonnie Luepke received 90 votes (4%) and Mark Rutz received 61 votes (3%).

Having received the top two vote amounts, Backer and Wendinger are expected to proceed to the General Election in November.

The mayoral primary and special congressional election looks to be the major factor in the increased voter turnout in New Ulm. Election judges at the city four ward election locations cited a strong turnout.

Ward 3 saw some of the highest voter turnout of the four wards with 628 voters registered as of 5:37 p.m. Head election judge Heather Bregel said this was a good turnout for a primary.

Christ the King Church served as Ward 3’s polling site for the first time. Previously Ward 3 voters cast their ballots at the Civic Center. The new location proved efficient for voters.