The link is on the website GoVoteKY.com (see link below), and had been promised by Secretary of State Michael Adams and McCracken County Clerk Julie Griggs several weeks ago.
Griggs told West Kentucky Star that all voters are expected to use absentee ballots this year, and rules have been relaxed so anyone can do it. Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Adams worked together to put these rules in place so social distancing can be ensured but the election can still take place.
Griggs strongly encouraged voters to use the new online application process to get their ballot. She said people can still call or email, but it will take longer.
Griggs said, "It (online application) speeds up the process. We don't have to mail them the application first and wait for its return. The portal serves as the application and we can mail them the ballot directly."
The changes also mean there will be no local voting precincts this year. The only way to vote in person is by coming to the county clerk's office to vote on Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm between June 8 and June 22. Appointments were previously recommended, but the McCracken clerk's office has waived that requirement, saying voters will be allowed in come in to vote at their convenience.
In-person voting on June 23 will be from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and if people don't vote by another method, it's safe to assume there could be a substantial wait on that day.
Griggs reassured voters last month that her office has handled absentee ballots in every election.
Griggs said, "We'll still do that part of the process the same as far as keeping them in a secured vault, locked, that sort of thing. So, the voters can definitely be assured. I don't want people to think there's more room for voter fraud or anything like that. Our process will still be the same, just on a much larger scale."
For those who want to request their absentee ballot, click the link below, call 270-444-4702 or send an email to julie.griggs@ky.gov.
On the Net:
GoVoteKY.com websiteRelated story from Tuesday
