COVINGTON, Ky. — No excuse early voting kicked off Thursday for those looking to cast their ballot ahead of Tuesday’s Primary Election Day.

Early voting requires the help of countless poll workers like Barbara Black, an election officer working in Kenton County. “I’m responsible for checking in voters and getting them registered and checked in there and getting their ballot,” Black explained.

She has been helping out with elections for about a decade now. Now that she’s retired, she has more time to tackle opportunities like this.

“We work with a great group of people and we just have a good time,” she said.

According to Black, early voting for the May Primary has kicked off with a steady stream of people coming in to vote at the county government center. She said it’s a pretty easy process to come in and cast your ballot.

“It’s a short ballot, just quick. You get in and out very quickly,” she said.

Black said people could vote on paper or use an express voting machine to cast their vote.

Casting her vote at the Kenton County Government Center on Thursday was Gwen Alexander. She said she was able to vote quickly and hopes her vote makes her voice heard. “It beats not voting and knowing that it doesn’t,” she said.

Alexander said she votes any chance she gets and thinks doing so is crucial. “As a citizen, it’s our duty. To keep our democracy, I think it’s very important these days,” she explained.

Black said she’s seen some primary elections in the past with low voter turnout. She wants people to know it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity if they can. “Just remember how important it is, and primaries are important too. I know a lot of people just don’t feel like they are so they don’t get the turnout, but it’s important. It’s important to vote,” Black shared.

Polls for Kenton County voters are open again for no excuse early voting Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day to vote is on Election Day, Tuesday, May 16.