LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On the first of three days of in-person no-excuse voting, Secretary of State Michael Adams encouraged Kentuckians to head to the polls.
He cast his ballot in Louisville.
“I think it’s a huge benefit and in a couple of ways,” said Adams. “Number one, it gives voters increased choices of convenience. This is what elections are. They’re literally choices. They’re about the voter being in control and making decisions. Just giving people one day is ridiculous.”
The extra days makes are easier on election officials and voters, he said.
Terri Giesel cast her ballot at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, where poll workers reported nearly 450 voters within the first three and a half hours.
“I think it helps,” she said. “We’re retired, so we’ve got time, but it helps everybody that has to work and has different hours. I just think it’s vital to have this open more days.”
Frederick and Kenneth Davis voted together at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, where poll workers reported more than 480 voters before 12:30 p.m.
“Voting is important,” said Kenneth Davis. “Our forebears came out here, and they won the vote for us and to participate in the civic events of voting is always a good idea for everyone.”
Commissioner Donald Palmer joined Secretary Adams for a tour of the Jefferson County Election Center Thursday.
Palmer is with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a federal bipartisan commission that certifies voting systems.
“Our job at the EAC is to make sure that those machines go through an accredited laboratory, where they’re tested to actual standards and then certified by the EAC and made available to the states and localities to vote on,” said Palmer. “That’s why voters can be confident that those machines are secure and accurate.”
Early voting continues Friday and Saturday.