Melodie Phelps, News Editor
CNHI
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.