For the few citizens who are projected to participate in the May 17 primary election, Secretary of State Elaine Walker has released a “Do's and Don'ts” list for Kentucky voters.“We want to make sure that people are informed about the upcoming election and their rights as voters,” says Walker. “We hope more people participate in the upcoming election than we expect; and are trying to raise awareness about the primary election in every way possible. This election is critically important and I encourage everyone to get out and vote.”The list is designed to help voters understand state election law and process when they go the polls on Election Day.From thesecretary of state's office:Do: Verify your voter registration status before you head to the polls. Visit the Voter Information Center at www.vote.ky.gov/vic
Don’t: Get discouraged by long lines or long ballots. You can be prepared by previewing your ballot online at Vote.Ky.Gov. Remember, as long as you are in line by 6 PM, local time, on May 17th you will be able to cast your ballot.
Do: Know where to go to vote. The Vote.Ky.Gov website has the Voter Information Center that allows voters to both find the address of their polling place and to obtain driving directions from their residence.
Don’t: Campaign or solicit votes within 300 feet of a polling place. Electioneering in the immediate area around polling places is illegal in Kentucky. However, you will not be turned away from the polls for simply wearing a campaign button, shirt, hat, etc.
Do: Know the most convenient times to vote are during low traffic periods: not during the morning rush hour, lunch, or the evening rush hour. Remember, polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, if you are in line by the close of polls at 6:00 p.m. local time, you will be allowed to vote.
Don’t: Wait until the last minute to head to the polls. You may encounter traffic or another unexpected delay. If you are not in line by 6:00 p.m. local time, you will not be allowed to vote.
Do: Bring identification to the polls on Election Day. Types of acceptable voter ID include: personal acquaintance of precinct officer, driver’s license, social security card, credit card, or another form of ID containing both picture and signature.
Don’t: Use prohibited items at the polls such as video cameras, cell phones, or any other device that can record the identity of voters. If you bring a cell phone to the polls, you are encouraged to place it on silent or vibrate.
Do: Ask a poll worker for instructions on how to use the voting machine or ask other procedural questions of the precinct election officials if you are confused about the voting process.
Don’t: Get caught up in election rumors. To get the facts, go here.
Do: Let officials know immediately if you encounter any problems at the polls. Start with your precinct election officers and county clerk, or call the State Board of Elections at (502) 573-7100.
Don’t: Forget to remind your friends and family to vote. All elections are important as it is one way that you can make your voice heard.
Do: Thank your poll workers. Without the nearly 15,000 Kentuckians that have volunteered to be poll workers across our state, this election would not be possible. They work long days on the front lines of our elections and deserve our appreciation. Contact your county clerk if you are interested in helping in the future.
Don’t: Forget that you can obtain all of the election results in near real time by visiting www.elect.ky.gov after the polls have closed.