Published: October 30, 2007 03:46 pm            

Voter turnout expected to be low for election

Monticello — If absentee voting is a gauge, then voter turnout in Wayne County for

the November 6 election could be only lukewarm. Wayne County Clerk Melissa

Turpin said that last week only 53 paper ballots had been mailed out and 25

people had utilized the absentee machine at the courthouse.

Turpin predicts the turnout for next Tuesday's election could be as low

as it was for May's primary election, when only about seven percent of

registered voters in Wayne County went to the polls. There will likely be

more interest in the District One Magisterial race, as well as the race for

Family Court Judge, noted Turpin.

Voters in District One will select a magistrate to complete the term of

the late Glen Parmley. Parmley was in his first year in office when he died

in July.

Both local political parties selected candidates for this special

election. Former magistrate Jerry Sloan was selected by the Republican party

to run for the office. Sloan was also appointed by Governor Ernie Fletcher

to fill the vacancy after Parmley's death. The local Democratic organization

selected Danny Bell as their candidate for the seat.

The race for Family Court Judge includes a local candidate, former Wayne

County Attorney Jay Jones. Jones is opposed by Russell County resident

Jennifer Upchurch Clark.

Voters in the City of Monticello will also have a referendum on next

week's ballot‹a decision regarding the proposed sale of the Monticello

Electric Plant Board to South Kentucky RECC. It's already been approved by

the Electric Plant Board and the City of Monticello, but the final say goes

to the voters.

The question will appear on the ballot as follows: "Are you in favor of

the sale or disposition of the Monticello Electric Plant, for the

consideration of Four Million Six-Hundred Eight Six Thousand Dollars

($4,686,000) to South Kentucky RECC."

A local school board race is on the ballot, though candidate Sheila

Stephenson is unopposed. Stephenson will complete the unexpired term of the

late Jack Lair.

Another non-partisan judicial race is on the ballot. Michael Caperton

and Clay Bishop, Jr. are vying for the Judge of the Court of Appeals, 3rd

Appellate District, 1st Division.

Besides local decisions, Wayne County voters will also be casting

ballots in the gubernatorial race, as Governor Ernie Fletcher, a republican,

seeks re-election. He is opposed by democratic challenger Steve Beshear.

Both candidates made campaign trips through this area, stopping in Wayne

County on Wednesday, October 24 to talk with local voters. (See related

stories in this edition.

Voters will also make choices for Secretary of State, Attorney General,

Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of

Agriculture. For a complete list of candidates in all the races, see the

sample ballot included in this edition of The Outlook.

The absentee voting machine will remain open through regular business

hours on Monday, November 5, according to Turpin. The machine, which is

located in the clerk's office, should be utilized by voters who will not be

in town on Election Day.

Voters who are using traditional paper absentee ballots have until

Election Day to return them to the clerk's office. Paper ballots are

utilized by voters who are sick, elderly, or are unable to go to the polls

on Election Day.

Locally, the polls will open at 6 a.m. Tuesday and will remain open

through 6 p.m. Turpin suggested that voters who go to the polls next Tuesday

should carry identification with them. Precinct workers who are unfamiliar

with a voter must ask for identification before allowing them to vote.

Anyone with questions regarding voting should contact Turpin's office at

(606) 348-6661.

        

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