Secretary of State
Kentuckians Urged to Prepare for Election

(Frankfort, KY) – Voters should prepare for the 2006 general election on November 7, 2006 Secretary of State Trey Grayson reminded Kentuckians today.  With the largest ballot in Kentucky’s history facing voters, citizens would be well advised to research candidates before they head to the polls. 

“With an extraordinary number of candidates on the ballot, voters are highly encouraged to research the candidates before they get ready to cast their vote,” noted Grayson.  “It is also important that voters determine a time when they can vote and thus prepare appropriately.  The polls close at 6:00 p.m., local time, and any voter in line to vote by that time will be allowed to cast a ballot.” 

He also recommended that voters budget extra time in some polling locations due to the length of the ballot in those precincts.  “The length of this ballot could possible slow down the voting process in some areas, but a little homework on the voter’s part should help prevent any inconvenience.” 

The Office of the Secretary of State and State Board of Elections has a number of online services which can help citizens prepare for the election. Voters can view and print sample ballots, determine their polling location, and find pertinent election information by visiting either agency’s website.

In addition, Grayson reminded voters that no Kentuckian should be prevented from voting in the upcoming election due to their work schedule, if he or she requests leave prior to the day in which he or she will cast his or her vote.  The Kentucky Constitution provides “that all employers shall allow employees, under reasonable regulations, at least four hours on election days, in which to cast their votes.”

            “It is my hope that every Kentuckian who is registered will exercise their right to vote on November 7,” stated Secretary Grayson.  “This section in the Kentucky Constitution helps to ensure that every citizen will have the opportunity to cast a ballot on Election Day regardless of their work schedule, so long as the employee requests leave in advance.”

            Employees need to request leave from their employer prior to the day in which they will cast their ballots to be eligible for this incentive.  Kentucky law provides the employer discretion as to whether the employee will be compensated for that time and at what time the employee may vote.  If an employee requests leave to vote and does not do so, state law deems that he or she may be subject to disciplinary action.

            Kentuckians who will be working outside their county of residence on Election Day are eligible to vote by absentee ballot.  Absentee voting on a voting machine is currently taking place in county clerks’ offices until close of business on Monday, November 6, 2006.

            “A little preparation can go a long way this election season.  Hopefully voters will heed this advice so that the election will go as smoothly as possible,” Grayson concluded.

            Citizens with general questions about the election are encouraged to visit the Kentucky State Board of Elections’ website at www.elect.ky.gov or to contact their local county clerk.

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