COVID-19

Voting procedures in the upcoming primary election will be drastically different that previous, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and Clinton County voters will be made aware in the near future of just how the changes will be implemented.

Clinton County Clerk Nathan Collins said on Monday that a statewide teleconference of county clerks and Board of Election officials had been moved Wednesday, April 29 (too late for press deadline).

According to information released last week by Kentucky Governer Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams, due to restrictions against gatherings and crowds, will see the bulk of voting being accomplished via mail-in balloting, or absentee voting.

That teleconference will set and announce guidelines and procedures for the upcoming primary election, which will include the mail-in voting process.

Additional details on the guidelines and procedures that will be used for voting, as well as any additional non-partisan candidates who may file, will be published in next week’s edition.

Last week, Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams said they have reached an agreement on how the state’s primary elections, special elections and local option elections scheduled for June 23, 2020, will be conducted given the global health pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Secretary Adams sent Governor Beshear a formal letter of recommendation Thursday, and Friday the Governor issued an Executive Order that outlines the election procedures that will be in place in June.

“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,” said Governor Beshear. “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.”

“Voters across the political spectrum will be pleased with this plan to protect both democracy and public health,” said Secretary Adams. “I’m grateful to Governor Beshear for his leadership, and his working in good faith with me toward ensuring a successful and safe election.”

The Governor said the State Board of Elections will also be working on a plan to safely conduct limited in-person voting and a possible drive-through voting option, so that those voters who cannot vote by mail can exercise their right to vote.

For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19 visit, kycovid19.ky.gov.