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Bevin defeats Conway for governor; 26 percent of voters go to polls in Whitley
Posted On 03 Nov 2015
Whitley County voters went to the polls in slightly larger than expected numbers Tuesday to cast their ballots for governor and other statewide offices, overwhelmingly backing Republicans.
Whitley County Clerk Kay Schwartz had initially predicted a 20-percent voter turnout for Tuesday’s election but instead 26 percent of voters went to the polls locally.
"It is a little bit higher than I anticipated but I am very pleased," Schwartz said Tuesday evening. "We had a very good day. A lot of precincts were just steady with no long lines. I want to thank all those hard working election officers. My staff has done a great job. I also want to thank the board of elections. I appreciate the voters for going to vote."
Tuesday’s turnout was nearly identical to the turnout four years ago in the governor’s race in Whitley County when 26.8 percent of voters went to the polls to cast their ballots.
By comparison, 31.4 percent of Whitley County voters went to the polls to cast their votes for governor in 2007, 34 percent in 2003, 12.5 percent in 1999 and 31.6 percent in 1995.
Republican Matt Bevin won the governor’s race garnering 4,772 votes in Whitley County to Democrat Jack Conway’s 1,857 votes and independent Drew Curtis’ 215 votes.
In other statewide races Tuesday, Republicans often carried the county by a two-to-one margin.
Republican Ryan Quarles won election as Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner. He received 5,130 votes in Whitley County to Democrat Jean-Marie Lawson Spann’s 1,447 votes.
Republican Allison Ball won the treasurer’s race and carried Whitley County with 5,142 votes compared to Rick Nelson’s 1,475 votes.
Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes won re-election Tuesday and received only 2,458 votes in Whitley County compared to 4,286 votes for Republican challenger Stephen L. Knipper.
In the state auditor’s race, Republican Mike Harmon defeated Democratic incumbent Adam Edelen Tuesday garnering 4,669 votes in Whitley County to Edelen’s 1,857 votes.
In the attorney general’s race, Democrat Andy Beshear, who is the son of Gov. Steve Beshear, received 2,023 votes to Republican Whitney H. Westerfield’s 4,682 votes in Whitley County.
Schwartz characterized Tuesday’s election as "very smooth" and said there were no significant problems besides a minor glitch, such as a couple of power cords coming unplugged from voting machines. She said there is a battery back-up system so no data was lost and the machines just had to be plugged back in, turned back on and the password entered again.
Whitley County vote totals from all precincts were in by 7:10 p.m. Tuesday and Schwartz said the returns were finalized by 7:30 p.m.
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I’m so very proud of our Whitley County Clerk! Mrs Kay and her staff do a wonderful job. It is amazing how much goes into setting up for an election. Machines must be prepped, sites must be surveyed for handicap accessibility, restroom facilities and electric must be available to election workers. Then voter registration books must be printed and prepped and verified. Ballots must also be printed and prepped and verified. It is a monumental task. Next year Mrs Kay will set up again for two elections. They are Federal elections, a general and a primary. Primary Election Day is May 17, 2016. The General Election Day is November 8. I support Mrs Kay and her awesome staff!! You go girl(s), and a few boys!
I don’t think lack of health care is the issue, it’s the affordability of health care. I have a decent paying job, but since ACA was signed into law I’m paying more for less coverage. My deductibles are so high, I’m afraid of even using my health insurance. ACA assures coverage for everyone but at a cost that no one can afford. How many people are willing to pay the penalty instead of paying for ACA?
Good Luck with the tea bagger. How many Kentuckians will die under his administration due to lack of health care.
I’m glad Bevin won but I’m still disappointed that only 26% who were registered to vote bothered to even cast a ballot. I guess people just don’t care about exercising their voting powers.