It's election day in Kentucky, butfewer than 30 percent of registered voters are expected to actually vote.But Tuesday afternoon, we talked to more than a dozen Shawnee area residents who weren't shying away from the polling stations. By 1 p.m., more than 350 people had voted at the Academy at Shawnee near 39th and Market streets. Why did they make it to the polls when most registered voters will not? For some, it's pride in exercising their right to vote. For others, it was to promote change. Others simply felt it was their responsibility. Here what nine voters had to say:“I felt it was my duty. I got the opportunity, there was a time when I didn’t have it, now I’ve got it and I want to take advantage of it.”—Vladimir Bivens“To have a say. Every vote counts, my vote is important, I have the right to do that and I utilize that right, I wouldn’t be an American if I didn’t.”—Queen Ester Reed“I gave it a lot of consideration, a lot of people have died for the right to vote, and I respect that. I think that since people have strived and worked so hard and even given their lives so we have the right to vote, I’m praying it will make a difference.” —Ira Williams“I don’t want everybody else making a decision and I didn’t have a choice, I can make a choice and voice my opinion, that is my constitutional responsibility."—Bessie Palmer“It’s our civic duty to do this. We need to determine who is going to be in the general election so we can get the right people in the right positions."—Jackie Baker“I think it’s important to vote in any election that you can. I just feel privileged that I can come out and vote and try to make a difference in the community.” —Carolyn Thompson“I think the primary is more important than the election in November, because now is when you really have a choice."—Lois Carvin“So Allison Grimes can send Mitch McConnell on a long, no return journey."—Theresa Johnson“I think the primary is one of the most important elections because it takes care of us as residents of the state of Kentucky. It is almost as important as the presidential election because it affects us more individually.”—Diane Cross Earlier: 4 Things That Could Improve Voter Turnout in Kentucky Earlier: Kentucky State Legislature Primaries to Watch Earlier: Louisville Primaries to WatchTell us why you voted (or didn't) in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
