Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andy Beshear postponed Primary Election Day to June 23, 2020 (Executive Order 2020-296). With this Executive Order, the Governor worked with our Secretary of State to create the order that changes the manner by which the upcoming election will be conducted. Using the Executive Order, the State Board of Elections created emergency regulations and procedures to follow. Hopefully, this style of election will drastically reduce any potential exposure to the Covid19 virus.
This only applies to the June 23, 2020 Primary Election!
The postponement, executive order, and regulations were all created so that this election can be safe, secure, and successful. Along with this decision, the Adair County Board of Elections has developed a plan to facilitate in-person early voting for those that feel their liberties are being infringed upon. With this two-front approach to the election, we feel that every voter will have ample opportunity to practice their right to vote.
1. A postcard will be sent out from the State Board of Elections to all registered voters informing them of the changes and how to get a ballot. Reminder: these will go out to ALL registered voters in Adair County, but the only parties that have anything to vote for on the ballots are Republicans and Democrats. If you would like to confirm that your voter registration information is correct, you may do so by going online to www.govoteky.com or calling the clerk's office to check. The last day to register to vote is May 26, 2020.
2. If at all possible the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Board of Elections is asking registered voters to request a paper ballot be mailed to your address in order to vote. You may request a ballot by the following;
- Phone: 270-384-2801
- Email: Lisa.Greer@ky.gov,
- Please be prepared to submit, your full name, date of birth, and your mailing address, cell/home phone. This applies to requesting by phone or email
- A secure online portal will be available through the State Board of Election’s website in a few weeks that will require personal identifiable information. It is expected to be up and running in 2 weeks. As soon as the Board of Elections receives that information, they will make it available to you
3. The ballot can be mailed back to the County Clerk's office postmarked no later than June 23, 2020 (a returned postage paid envelope will be included) or dropped off in a secure ballot drop-box located inside the Annex. The box will be in place closer to the end of May or the first of June. All mailed ballots will go through a signature match for security before being counted.
4. THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE CENTRAL VOTING LOCATION FOR EARLY ABSENTEE VOTING AND ELECTION DAY, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY.
5. The centralized location for ALL PRECINCTS will be in the basement of the Adair Annex and will be open to provide an in-person option beginning June 8th thru June 22nd (for those who choose not to vote by mail). The address is 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pmCT and Saturday, June 13th and Saturday, June 20th, 2020 from 8:00am-11:00amCT.
6. ELECTION DAY: All precincts will be closed on Election Day. One polling location in the basement of the Annex Building will be open to provide an in-person option for anyone who can’t vote by mail. Address is 424 Public Square, Columbia KY 42728, from 6:00 a.m. CST to 6:00 p.m. CST. We ask that everyone please be prepared to practice CDC guidelines for social distancing.
7. Things to consider and prepared to have ready if you are voting in person:
- Please be prepared to wear a face mask if at possible to help protect our workers and other voters
- You will be ask to confirm your identity, the quickest way being a Driver’s License or one of the following
- Personal Acquaintance with Election Officer
- Social Security Card
- Credit Card
- Any ID Card with Picture and Signature of Voter
- Any Kentucky State Government issued ID Card orAny United States Government issued ID Card
Please have one of these out and ready.
We recognize this is a new and unfamiliar way to vote. It is the County Board of Election and the County Clerk’s office highest duty to perform fair and honest elections and we take this responsibility extremely serious. These regulations and changes are for the June 23, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION ONLY.
If you have any questions, please call the Adair County Clerk’s Office at 270-384-2801.
