Gov. Andy Beshear offered new details on the upcoming 2020 Primary Election, urging voters to prepare to request absentee ballots, while announcing help from the Kentucky National Guard in safeguarding the election process.
Last month, Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams agreed to move the primary elections to June 23 and to allow everyone to request absentee ballots.
An online portal for all voters to request the ballots is being created, according to Beshear.
The governor said National Guard leaders offered to assist in the election as National Guard members will be used as poll workers to keep polling places operating safely. The governor credited Kentucky National Guard Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton with offering to help with the election.
“We literally are spread out across the entire state and I would venture we probably have soldiers or airmen who live in virtually all 120 counties,” Lamberton said. “So, it quite simply is a common-sense solution for the issue.”
State Board of Elections approve emergency regulations for 2020 Primary Election
Last week, the State Board of Elections approved emergency regulations spelling out how the June 23, 2020 Primary Elections will take place.
“These regulations represent a bipartisan effort to guarantee that citizens of the commonwealth are able to participate in a fair election while maintaining the social-distancing standards we need in order to slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our state, including poll workers and other voters,” Chairman of the Board Ben Chandler said.
If you are a registered, eligible voter you will receive a postcard in the mail with instructions on how to apply for an absentee ballot. Every eligible voter who receives an absentee ballot can return it postage-free in the mail, or drop it off at a secure county-government location. County clerks’ offices will provide additional information as the election approaches.
There will still be limited in-person voting by appointment from June 8 until June 23 at 6:00 p.m., but voters are encouraged to use the absentee ballot method.
Travel restrictions
Beshear said his administration has amended its travel restrictions to better comply with judicial findings and more closely mirror the guidance of neighboring states.
The governor issued a new executive order that continues to ban anyone with a positive or presumptively positive case of COVID-19 from entering Kentucky, except as ordered for medical treatment. It also keeps in place requirements of social distancing on public transportation.
Those traveling from out of state into Kentucky and staying are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
“Basically, the court said, ‘We think Ohio’s is fine. We think yours should be more like Ohio’s,’” the governor said. “So, we’ve issued one today that’s just like Ohio’s. That’s what the court says will work, so that’s what we’ll do.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
