Whitley Clerk predicts about 20 percent local turnout for election

Whitley County Clerk Kay Schwartz is expecting about a 20 percent local turnout as voters head to the polls today to cast their ballots for governor and other statewide offices.

Schwartz said she thinks two factors are driving the relatively low interest in next week’s election.

One is the negative campaigning that is dominating some races, such as the governor’s race.

"I think it turns people away," she noted.

Another factor is the lack of any local races on the ballot or candidates with local ties.

"When there is not local races there is not a lot of interest. State races are as important as the local races. I hope people will take an interest," she noted. "Go vote."

During the last gubernatorial election in 2011 about 27 percent of Whitley County voters went to the polls to vote in the governor’s race, which pitted incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear against Republican challenger David

Schwartz said there was more local interest in that race due largely to the fact that Williams had represented Whitley County for several years in the state senate at that point.

Schwartz said she would like to see Kentucky amend its election calendar and put the governor’s race and other statewide offices on the ballot at the same time as the presidential race.

"Our clerk’s association has recommended that several times but it hasn’t passed through the legislature. I think it would be a good idea," she added.

People who will be out of town on Election Day and will be unable to go to the polls, can still cast absentee ballots through Monday.

While there are no local races on the Whitley County ballot, there are several statewide constitutional offices with contested races.

Bevin and independent Drew Curtis.

Bevin narrowly defeated Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jamie Comer by 83 votes in the May Primary Election.

Incumbent Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, who is the Democratic nominee, is seeking re-election and will face off against Republican challenger Stephen L. Knipper.

Incumbent Democrat State Auditor Adam H. Edelen is also seeking re-election and will battle Republican challenger Mike Harmon in that race.

Democrat Andy Beshear, who is the son of incumbent Gov. Steve Beshear, is running for Kentucky Attorney General against Republican Whitney H. Westerfield.

Democrat Rick Nelson will face off against Republican Allison Ball in the State Treasurer’s race.

In the Commissioner of Agriculture race, Democrat Jean-Marie Lawson Spann is facing Republican Ryan Quarles.

Polls will be open today from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Schwartz also noted she would like to mind voters that the Highland Park and Savoy voting precincts are now both located at Cumberland Regional Mall.