The county clerk in the state’s second most populous area says the three-fold approach to voting this November shouldn’t be considered the future standard, given current local voting resources. Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins participated in a program last night called “Voting During the 2020 Pandemic: Navigating the November General Election.”
Blevins said this presidential general election will, quote, “stretch every county clerk to the absolute max.” “Don’t think that only the large counties are going to struggle. All of us can struggle and it’s because of the multitude of options. I personally support all the multitude of options. I think it’s a great idea. On the other hand it’s extremely difficult with our limited staffs to pull this off,” said Blevins.
Blevins told participants in the online forum that voters can request a ballot online and then vote by mail, place ballots in drop boxes, or vote in person. The county clerk noted six ballot boxes will be placed strategically around Lexington and there will also be about the same number of physical voting locations.
University of Kentucky Professor of Election Law Joshua Douglas likes much in what is laid out for the upcoming presidential general election.
Douglas is not a fan of photo ID laws, which Kentucky has just enacted. But, he said it’s been modified during the current pandemic. “I don’t support photo ID laws, but this law and the provisions that are in this law are actually not terrible, which is to say I think this is one of the most mild forms of a photo ID law in the country.”
Early voting starts on October 13th. Don Blevins said it will likely be a week after the November third election when all local and state races are announced.
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global health emergency, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
