OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The state's top election official and county auditors are predicting a large turnout for Tuesday's debut of the "top two primary."

Secretary of State Sam Reed has predicted a 46 percent turnout, and an Associated Press survey of the counties found the same. The state's 39 counties' turnout expectations range from a low of 35 percent in Adams County to a high of 62 percent in Jefferson County.

Ballots went to voters on Aug. 1 and must be postmarked or dropped off at designated drop boxes by Tuesday.

Reed notes that traditionally, about only half of the ballots are received by the Friday before Election Day, so a true sense of turnout won't be known until early next week. If Reed's prediction on turnout is correct, it would be the highest since 1972, when turnout was more than 49 percent.

"This is such an important election," Reed said. "It's become more important with the top two. If you want your candidate in the general, you can't assume they will be there. You have to get out and vote."

For the first time since 2003, voters can skip back and forth across party lines as they pick finalists for governor, Congress, the judiciary, the Legislature and other statewide offices.

Reed cites the novelty of the new top two system, along with general interest in elections during a presidential and gubernatorial campaign year.

Also accounting for the high number is interest in the already heated governor's race between Gov. Chris Gregoire and her Republican opponent, Dino Rossi.

Voters will get their first chance to cast their vote in the rematch between the two, who faced off in the 2004 election.

"I think that's going to drive turnout in the race," Reed said.

Voters also are weighing the race for state treasurer, the only open statewide elected seat. They'll also choose finalists for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, insurance commissioner and superintendent of public instruction.

Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna faces Democratic challenger Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, and Republican Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland faces Democrat Peter Goldmark. All are guaranteed to advance under the top two format, since there aren't any third challengers in either race.

Results will be posted in real time on the KOMONews.com Web site after the polls close at 8 p.m.