Kentucky Prepares for Historic Voter Turnout with Improved Access and Increased Absentee Ballot Requests

Georgetown, Ky. – Kentucky is gearing up for what is anticipated to be one of its largest voter turnouts in history this Election Day. Secretary of State Michael Adams has indicated that over 130,000 voters across the state have already requested absentee ballots, suggesting a significantly increased level of electoral participation.

On the local level, Scott County Clerk Rebecca Johnson reported an impressive number of absentee ballot requests, with approximately 1,600 requests having been fulfilled before the closure of the request portal. Of those, more than half have already been returned, signaling a robust engagement from voters ahead of Election Day.

In preparation for the high turnout, officials have implemented measures to accommodate voters. Scott County has added an additional location for early in-person, no-excuse voting to better serve the public. Johnson expressed confidence in higher early voting rates, acknowledging that they expect an influx of voters both during the early voting period and on Election Day itself.

Voters are encouraged to come prepared, especially given the potential for extended deliberation times due to the lengthy Constitutional Amendments on the ballot. Johnson advised that voters should familiarize themselves with the amendments beforehand, noting that the Secretary of State’s website provides valuable information to aid in understanding the proposed changes.

To mitigate any potential delays at the polls, Scott County has nearly doubled the number of voting booths across all locations. This strategic move aims to reduce wait times and ensure a smooth voting experience. Johnson emphasized the importance of minimizing long lines, stating, “We’re just over preparing, really at every level, to try to accomplish that.”

In addition to increased booth capacity, waiting times will be communicated in real-time by on-site crews, helping voters decide if visiting another location might be quicker. As Election Day approaches, the emphasis remains on facilitating voter access and engagement, reflecting a proactive approach to one of Kentucky’s most significant electoral events.