City Candidates' Primary Ballot Positions Drawn

At the McCracken County Courthouse Thursday, names of candidates were randomly placed on the primary ballot.

Since the order of names on the ballot could be perceived as an advantage by candidates or voters, County Clerk Julie Griggs oversaw the procedure where all candidate names were placed in a cigar box. The order in which they were randomly drawn determined how they will appear on the May 19 primary ballot. State law requires this be done on the Thursday after the filing deadline. 

According to the County Clerk's office, the ballot order for the Paducah Mayor's race is: 1. George Bray, 2. Brandi Harless, 3. Richard Abraham.

For the Paducah City Commission race, the order is: 1. John "Buzz" VonTesmar, 2. Mike Reed, 3. Melinda Winchester, 4. Lakilia Bedeau, 5. Carol Gault, 6. Robert Shy, 7. Raynarldo Henderson, 8. David Guess, 9. Sandra Wilson, 10. Gerald Watkins, 11. Shannon Wathen.

The primary election will narrow the mayor's race to two candidates for the November general election. It will also narrow the city commission race to eight candidates, with four elected in November.