Beech Tree News Network

If you don’t like it one way, the state will let you do it another way.  That’s essentially the approach that election officials in Kentucky are taking with the upcoming primary election.  Originally set for Tuesday, May 19, Primary Election day has been pushed to Tuesday, June 23, due to the corona-virus pandemic.  Around the state, primaries for some local offices, the state General Assembly, the U.S. Senate, and the presidential race will be on the ballot.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson is the lead election officer locally and her office runs the election process.  For Johnson, it has been interesting times as her office has worked to make adjustments from state officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are abiding by the regulations set forth by the Governor, the Secretary of State and the State Board of Elections. We are preparing for more mail in and in-office absentees than we normally have,” said Johnson.  “Normally we have 12 precincts on Election Day but for the June 23rd Primary Election only, we will have one in-person voting center and one drive-thru.”

Safety is of paramount importance for Johnson and her staff - both voters and those volunteers who work the polls.  

“We are taking every precaution to make the election safe and secure for our voters and our Election Workers. We would like to ask for patience from our voters as we all work through this new election process.”

There are major changes that voters will see.  Most notably, there will not be voting precincts scattered throughout the county.  Nevertheless, voters will have multiple options to cast their ballot.  

On election day, June 23, voters may cast ballots at Morgantown Elementary.  A drive-thru voting option will also be available at the county barn on Boat Factory Road in Morgantown.  

In-office voting will begin June 8 at the county clerk’s office.  Please call the office at 270-526-5676 to make an appointment.  

Voting by mail and by absentee ballot are also options.  Below are important dates to remember pertaining to the Primary Election.  

--By May 22:  State Board of Elections will send postcards to each registered voter.  

--By May 22:  Online portal - GoVoteKy.com - established for voters to request ballots

**All registered voters are eligible to vote by mail or in the county clerk’s office prior to election day.  

--May 26:  Last day to register to vote

--June 2:  Deadline to file for November 3 General Election (mayors, city council, school boards, soil conservation)

--June 8:  County Board of Elections checks voting machines (9 a.m.)

--June 8:  In-office voting starts in county clerk’s office (appointment required)

--June 15 (11:59 p.m.):  Last day for voters to request a ballot through the online portal

--June 23:  Primary Election Day

Contact the office of the Butler County Clerk at 270-526-5676 for any questions you may have. 

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