(WKYT) – Kentucky voters can begin registering for absentee ballots this weekend, seven weeks ahead of the state’s primary election in May.
The primary will determine candidates from each party for seats, including local mayors’ offices and the United States Senate.
Secretary of State Michael Adams said the state is prepared for the election.
“We’re in good position now, our ballot is certified, our ballots are being printed and distributed to the county clerks,” Adams said.
Low turnout expected
Adams does not have a formal voter turnout projection yet, but said previous primary elections have seen only about 15% of registered voters cast a ballot.
“What we typically base our projections on is absentee ballot requests because traditionally if we see a whole lot of those, more than normal, we’re going to have higher than normal turnout,” Adams said.
Adams said he does not expect to see many absentee ballot requests. Kentucky is a traditional, vote-in-person state, he said.
“Historically we see 2 to 4% now post-COVID of voters voting with that method, most people want to vote in person,” Adams said.
Federal executive order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to impose stricter mail-in voting rules.
Adams said the order targets states that primarily vote by mail and Kentucky does not fall under that category.
“As I said, 2% here, so it’s not clear that it’s going to have a big impact on us, we just don’t typically vote that way,” Adams said.
Adams is reviewing ballot material to ensure Kentucky does not lose federal election funding.
Voters have until April 20 to register for the primary election in May.