Despite warnings from prominent liberals that Tuesday's election in Kentucky would be a disaster, the state largely had success with the adjustments it made to its voting procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams worked with Democratic Governor Andy Beshear to implement protocols for Tuesday's election to run smoothly. Voter turnout is expected to be on par or greater than normal for primary elections. By 3:30 p.m., over 103,000 votes had been cast in person on Tuesday.
Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton even went so far as calling the voting adjustments "voter suppression," but Clinton changed her tune by the end of the afternoon on Wednesday after voting went smoothly:
A bit of a change in tone by @HillaryClinton between yesterday and today regarding the #KentuckyPrimary elections. #AllEyesOnKentucky pic.twitter.com/27krwxmRC6
— Ben Tobin (@TobinBen) June 23, 2020
While there were some difficulties experienced in Lexington, local officials were able to adjust their protocols to address the issues. Other areas of the state experienced few issues:
I’m in Louisville at the only voting site in Kentucky’s largest county.
— Graham Ambrose (@Grahambrose) June 23, 2020
There are no lines, despite a steady stream of voters. The space is massive. pic.twitter.com/SBNnxCC9Yb
No real lines inside Oldham Co’s only voting site. Clerk Barr told me people were lined up early, doors opened, steady but lots of open machines. I was here 2016 @KYGOP caucus day (@RandPaul was running for #POTUS), was packed, traffic jams, people parked far out. NOT LIKE TODAY pic.twitter.com/hgWb3RwEUn
— Chris Williams (@chriswnews) June 23, 2020
It’s Primary Day in Kentucky. There’s no lines but a steady stream of voters at Pike County Central High School in Eastern Kentucky. @heraldleader pic.twitter.com/KyN0RnRGT8
— Liz Moomey (@lizmoomey) June 23, 2020
Earlier today, Secretary of State Adams explained to the press the adjustments made to absentee ballots and in-person voting:
.@KYSecState Michael Adams said “so far today, Kentucky is a national success story.”
— Not Ben Tobin (@Billy_Kobin) June 23, 2020
“Voters are not being suppressed. Look at our turnout. It’s through the roof.” pic.twitter.com/o8TBANKNGQ
Secretary of State Adams should be commended for the smooth administration of elections today in Kentucky.