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Voting In Upcoming Primary Will Be Decidedly Different

LFUCG

Lexington officials are painting a picture of what voting will look like during the upcoming June 23rd primary elections. As WUKY's Josh James reports, most ballots will be cast absentee, but there will be other accommodations.

From LFUCG: 

Voting, like everything else, is going to look a little different this year.

Mayor Linda Gorton joined Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. this afternoon to discuss changes in the upcoming June 23 primary election.

“For most of us, the COVID-19 virus is forcing changes in how we vote, and where we vote,” Gorton said. “But why we vote hasn’t changed. It’s one of the most important things we do. In recent days, many people have marched in our streets to bring about change. Another way to make change is through voting.”

Blevins, who supervises elections in Fayette County, said the changes in voting were made across Kentucky because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think these changes will make voting safer, and more convenient for most people,” Blevins said. “To ensure safety, most people will use an absentee ballot. Every registered voter is eligible to vote by mail. Absentee ballots are easy to get, easy to fill out, and mailing them back is free.”

Blevins said there are some important steps to take, and dates to keep in mind:

  • First, obtain an absentee ballot. June 15 is the last day to request an absentee ballot. The easiest way to get a ballot is to visit govotekentucky.com. Or request a ballot by phone at (859) 253-3344.
  • Next, fill out the ballot. Sign and seal the inner and outer envelopes and drop it in the mail as soon as possible. Postage is provided. The ballot must be postmarked by June 23.
  • If you cannot mail in your absentee ballot, drop it off June 15-22 at the President’s Pavilion outside Gate 9 at Kroger Field. Or drop off your ballot on June 23 at the Commonwealth Tower Lobby at Kroger Field, between Gates 10 and 11.
  • Election results will be finalized and made public on June 30.
  • If you must vote in person because you need special accommodations, make an appointment to vote at the Lexington Senior Center June 8-23. Voting is by appointment only. Call 859-253-3344 in advance to schedule an appointment. The Senior Center is located at 195 Life Lane, behind Southland Christian Church on Richmond Road.
  • On Election Day, June 23, there will be one voting location open for in-person voting. It is for people who absolutely need to vote in person. The voting location will be open from   6 a.m.-6 p.m., June 23, at Kroger Field in the Central Bank Field Club. Enter through Gate 10 or 11. Parking is available in the Blue Lot.

The City has worked in partnership with Blevins to support the changes needed for a safe election. Blevins thanked city employees who have created a public awareness campaign and secured personal protective equipment and sanitizing stations. The City is also hosting the vote-by-appointment opportunities at the Lexington Senior Center.

For more information go to lexingtonky.gov/vote.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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