Lawrence Co. Clerk Chris Jobe said today that this year’s Primary election could be mail only.
“There’s just too many coronavirus rules in effect right now that it would be impossible to have an election in the usual way,” Jobe said.
“The state people who met with us online earlier this week said the election cannot be postponed because of a state law that allows only 35 days to postpone a regular election and June 23 is a far as we can move it,” Jobe added.
He said the most local interest will probably be the Republican Primary for 96th State Rep., seat currently held by Kathy Hinkle, a Democrat who won in her first ever race by 5 votes two years ago.
Squaring off for right to oppose Hinkle, who has no Primary competition, are Lawrence Countian Rita Yates and Olive Hill lawyer Patrick Flannery. The scheduled vote in the Fallsburg precinct concerning a proposed winery may draw interest as well.
Gov. Andy Beshear said he and his staff attended the same meeting as Jobe on Wednesday to discuss conducting the primary election, which has already been delayed to June 23 — by mail. “This doesn’t mean that is what will happen in November, though if it is necessary if we have a fall spike, it would be good to have a test run in a primary.”
Beshear noted most of the poll workers are older, which places them in a higher risk category for the coronavirus.
In a related note Jobe wanted to say a special thank you to the people of Lawrence County for being so understanding during the virus shutdown as his office has had to make several changes to follow federal and state guidelines.
Secretary of State Secures Federal Funds to Cover New Election Costs
Encourages Governor Beshear to Trigger State Matching Funds
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 8, 2020) – Secretary of State Michael Adams today formalized Kentucky’s access to approximately $6 million in federal stimulus funds to relieve increased election costs due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“I thank the President and Congress for providing Kentucky with funds in this time of need to help us plan for a successful 2020 election,” Adams said. “I respectfully request that Governor Beshear take the necessary action to provide the required state match of approximately $1.2 million.”
Adams also called on the Governor to sign House Bill 351, which includes emergency legislation aimed at providing the State Board of Elections flexibility to adjust election procedures during a declared state of emergency.
June, is two months away???? So the
Governor, is already planning to keep use closed that long, and has overstepped his power, and to use Government funding to take away the free right to assemble, and elect is unconditional.
Right now in Kentucky, you have to show ID to vote, this takes that away, and is more subject to change the outcome. Think about it Kentuckians, if they can change the elections with votes from dead people, or Micky Mouse imagine what they can do with mail in voting.
You people that voted Democrat, knew what he was about, and you thought with your wallets not your beliefs, think about those promises of big raises for our school’s only to get half of what you voted for.
I’m a proud Kentuckian, decorated Veteran of Iraqi Freedom III, THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION, and MY FREE RIGHT TO IT.