10-20-10 —     Local elections always stir some voter interest and that will likely  hold true for next week's general election. Wayne County Clerk  

Josephine Gregory said that early absentee numbers indicate that  voter interest is much better for the general election than it was  for the May primary election.

    In the primary, approximately 33 percent of voters in Wayne County  cast a ballot. But she predicts that could improve to about 40 or 45  percent when voters make decisions next week regarding a number of  local races.

    By early last week, a total of 127 voters had already used the  absentee machine in the clerk's office. Additionally, Gregory said  her office had mailed about 220 paper absentee ballots to voters who  

are unable to physically go to vote next week.

    "Based on those numbers I think it will be a good turnout," said  Gregory.

    Voters will make some important decisions, including who will lead  both county and city government for the next four years. Current  County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin is seeking another term. He is  opposed by Ken Upchurch on the ballot.

    Mayor Kenneth Catron is also seeking re-election and he is opposed  by current city councilman Jeffrey Edwards.

    Voters will also make choices for magistrates in all four districts  and they will decide who sits in the six City Council seats for the  next term.

    Another race that has garnered a lot of interest from voters is the  one for Wayne County Clerk. Sheridan Wright is the republican  candidate, while Gregory is the democratic candidate.

    Wayne County Jailer Ray Upchurch is seeking another term in office  and he is opposed by Danny Baker in that race.

    Wayne County Sheriff Charles Boston is also running for re-election  and is opposed by David Koontz.

    Republican candidate Tom Simmons and democratic candidate Lee  Whittenburg are running for Wayne County Attorney.

    One of the two races for district judge is contested this year.  

Larry Rogers and Scarlett Latham were the top vote getters from the primary election and face each other in this race.

    Voters will also make some decisions regarding school board seats in  both local districts and they will select a county surveyor. One of  

the local constables' races is opposed, and voters will also vote in  the U.S. Senate race that features Rand Paul and Jack Conway, as well  

as the congressional race that features Harold Rogers and James E.  Holbert.

    There are a number of uncontested races that will also appear on the  ballot.

    Gregory noted that this year's race includes two write-in  candidates, and there have been a few questions in her office about  

how to vote for a write-in. She noted that the name of write-in  candidates will be posted at each precinct, but those names do not  appear on the ballot.

    There is one change that voters need to keep in mind before they go  to vote next Tuesday. The Eadsville precinct has changed its  location. Voters in that precinct will cast ballots at the Masonic  Lodge building on West KY 92.

    Polls will open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1 and will remain  open through 6 p.m. Gregory noted that any voters in line at 6 p.m.  will be allowed to vote before that polling place is closed.

    Anyone with questions regarding the election can call the clerk's office at (606) 348-6661.

    

How to vote for a write-in candidate

    1) Press the write-in box on the respective office block.

    2) Press the flashing red button at the top on the right of the  

machine.

    3) The write-in window will open.

    4) Use the pen located inside the machine to write-in the  

candidate's name.

    5) Slide the write-in window closed.

    6) When you have finished voting in all races, press the green vote  

button on the bottom right of the machine.