Coronavirus election: Kentucky governor’s order allows voting by mail in primary
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear signed an order Friday allowing Kentucky residents to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election, which had already been pushed back to June because of the coronavirus.
State elections officials also are working on a plan for limited in-person voting and possible drive-thru voting for the June 23 primary, the governor’s office said.
The Democratic governor’s order allowing mail-in voting came a day after Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams offered his recommendations on how to proceed with the primary in midst of a public health crisis. Beshear’s order outlines procedures to be in place for the primary.
The presidential primary calendar is in flux as officials try to balance public health with a need to continue the electoral process.
“Today’s executive order and regulations that will be created by the Kentucky State Board of Elections will allow all Kentuckians who are registered to vote for the upcoming primary to vote by mail through an absentee ballot,” Beshear said in a statement. “While there will be significant education and work required, we are committed to making sure this election will be held in a safe manner while we are in this worldwide health pandemic.”
Adams said Kentucky voters “across the political spectrum will be pleased with this plan to protect both democracy and public health.”
Kentucky’s primary election is traditionally in late May.
It may not be safe to go to the polls in November. There is still time for states to switch to a mail-in ballot nationwide, but not much, and some states continue to resist.
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