Lawrenceburg, Ky. – The city’s maintenance garage has transformed into a drive-thru polling place for voters, accommodating over 2,000 voters daily during election season. Anderson County Clerk Jason Denny reports that this innovative voting method handles approximately 60% of all voters, including early and election day voting.
Established during the lead-up to the 2020 primary election, the drive-thru voting idea originated from Denny’s quest to provide a safe way for voters to access polling places. Inspired by a previous drive-thru motor vehicle registration process at an old bank, he envisioned a new approach: “I said, ‘Well, wouldn’t it be neat if we could drive-thru vote?’”
This initiative has resulted in Anderson County recording the highest overall voter turnout in the state for the 2024 elections, with a significant early voting turnout of 41%. Denny noted, “It has gotten almost too popular,” as the thriving program sometimes creates long lines at the maintenance garage, while other polling places remain less crowded.
Voter participation in Anderson County reached 68.93%, reflecting the success of the drive-thru model. Denny, however, acknowledges the challenges that might deter other jurisdictions from adopting the method. “It is not for the faint of heart. It is an orchestrated event,” he said, emphasizing the need for at least two to three times the number of election workers and specialized equipment compared to standard polling sites.
The Secretary of State’s Office maintains a neutral stance on drive-thru voting, citing various factors that limit its implementation in other areas, such as a lack of suitable facilities capable of dealing with adverse weather conditions. “Just throwing up a tent might not be a good idea,” Denny warned. He added that in larger counties, increased popularity could lead to traffic congestion, diminishing the convenience of the drive-thru option.
Currently, only Butler County employs a similar system, while Estill County previously used drive-thru voting during the COVID-19 pandemic and is considering reintroducing it due to its success.
Denny’s commitment to the drive-thru voting model in Anderson County continues, with local officials frequently fielding inquiries about its future. “That’s the biggest question and the most-asked question all year long in our office,” Denny stated. “’Are you going to have the drive-thru? Yes, we are.’”
