A new report ranks Iowa fifth among all states for voter turnout during the 2008 general election.

The study by George Mason University’s U.S. Elections Project gave top billing to Minnesota. It was followed by Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire and Iowa. In the Hawkeye State more people voted in this election than in any in the history of the state — 1.54 million people. The figure is nearly 25,000 more than four years ago.

“Iowans should be proud we are among the top states in the nation in turnout,” said Michael Mauro, Iowa Secretary of State. “This continues our state’s long legacy of having an informed and engaged electorate.”

Nationally 131 million more voters participated in this presidential election than in any in history.