LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: By Senator Robin L. Webb - Absentee Voting, 19th Amendment, Early In-Person and Election Day Voting

FRANKFORT — Wednesday, August 18, 2020, marked the centennial celebration of the ratification of the nineteenth amendment. The groundbreaking legislation granted American women the right to vote. One of the most sacred rights afforded to Americans today, yet we still have much work to do when it comes to voter access and participation in our country. Kentucky has always been ahead of the country in women’s suffrage, as early as 1838, rural women that were heads of household were eligible to vote on common schools. The first suffrage convention south of the Mason Dixon line was held in Kentucky, with the first women to campaign for public office.

Kentuckians last week were given some insight into how the election process will operate in November. Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams have announced plans for Kentucky voters to submit their ballots amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. For now, the Kentucky Board of Elections has delayed approval of the voting plan at Sec. Adams’s request. We should know a definitive plan in the very near future. However, in the current proposal, there are several ways individuals will be able to return their ballots for the November election: absentee; early in-person; or in-person on Election Day.

ABSENTEE VOTING:

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, August 21, individuals concerned about contracting or spreading the coronavirus may request an absentee ballot by mail or via an online portal. To ensure all votes are counted, Sec. Adams stated that the absentee ballots are required to be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, and received by November 6. For those concerned about postal delays, County Clerks will now offer secure drop boxes to deposit absentee ballots.

EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING:

Another piece of the agreement is early in-person voting. Beginning on October 13, early in-person voting will be available at local County Clerk’s offices for three weeks before the election. Be sure to call your County Clerk’s office prior to your visit, and check if you need to make an appointment. Anyone this year will be able to vote early at their County Clerk's office, for any reason.

ELECTION DAY VOTING:

On Election Day, each county will provide one voting super-center where anyone in the county will be able to vote in-person, regardless of their precinct. County election officials may work with the State (Kentucky) Board of Elections, Secretary of State, and Governor to receive approval for additional precinct locations. Kentuckians who have been unable to be issued a driver’s license or photo ID due to the pandemic can sign a document explaining their concerns and cast their ballots.

The proposal agreed upon was retracted by Sec. Adams following some pushback. There will be varying opinions on this. However, I believe this is the right decision and is a move that will protect the health and safety of vulnerable Kentuckians. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and this is quite the predicament. I am proud our Governor, Andy Beshear, a Democrat, and Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican, were able to set aside political differences and work across the aisle. I believe this to be the best compromise for everyone.

As we progress toward Election Day and through the Interim Session, I will do my best to keep you informed and “in the know.” I ask that you stay safe and wear a mask when going about in public. We will make it through this together! If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I remain accessible by email at Robin.Webb@LRC.KY.GOV.