RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)--North Carolina voting officials say turnout is moderate for one of the hotly contested primary elections in the state.

State elections director Gary Bartlett said late Tuesday morning that turnout has been moderate and few problems have been reported.

Bartlett says rain in the foothills and mountains have kept turnout down some, but he expects it to pick up. Bartlett says it is still likely that overall turnout could exceed 37 percent, which would be the highest level in at least 25 years.

A constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage is driving turnout, but North Carolina voters also are choosing nominees for governor, 13 congressional districts, nine of the 10 Council of State positions and dozens of General Assembly seats. Polls are open until 7:30 p.m.