MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota's pride in its voter turnout took a beating this midterm election, with only about half of eligible voters taking the trouble to show up.

Unofficial numbers from the secretary of state estimate Tuesday's turnout at 50.31 percent, well below the projection of 55 to 60 percent.

Nearly 56 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot four years ago.

The lower figure may reflect a lack of interest in top races such as governor and Senate, which were not seen as close. Six of the state's eight U.S. House races also weren't seen as all that competitive.

The state's adoption of no-excuse absentee voting has been popular. The number of people voting by absentee rose from about 6 percent in 2010 to almost 10 percent this year.