Voter Registration
Presentation by Sandy Downs on May 11, 2020
There are basically 2 ways to get more votes for our side: #1 Convert the other side, or #2 increase the participation on our side. We may have a better chance with #2, especially given Vote Rights Restoration in 2020.
Three broad areas of discussion: WHO? HOW? WHEN?
WHO? 1. US Citizen 2. Will be 18 or older before 11/3/20 (General Election Day). Applies to Primary as well. 17 years old CAN vote in Primary. 3. If prior felony conviction, must have restored Voting Rights as of 2020. Confirm BEFORE completing VR form at: restoreyourvote.org OR civilrightsrestoration.ky.gov 4. No judgement of mental incompetence. 5. No eligibility to vote outside of KY.
HOW? 1. Most direct option is full online at elect.ky.gov /registertovote .This site also provides a capability to PRINT a VR form from your computer if you prefer that option. You then mail the completed form. 2. You may also visit your local County Clerk office to obtain and complete a VR form directly on the spot. Not precisely sure how C-19 has affected this option. Should check ahead of time. 3. Direct mail of completed forms to either local County Clerk or to State Board of Elections, 140 Walnut St. Frankfort KY 40601 is also acceptable. 4. Within a few weeks at most, you should receive a mailed acknowledgment of your registration or of any problems with it from your local County Clerk. Check back if you do not.
WHEN? There are various important dates that impact ability to cast a legitimate vote. Chronologically: 1. To vote in the Primary Election of June 23, you MUST have a completed VR form postmarked no later than May 26. 2. To vote in the General Election of November 3, you MUST have a completed VR form postmarked no later than October 5. 3. To vote Absentee in the Primary Election, you must make a request by June 16. 4. To vote Absentee in the General Election, you must make a request by October 27.
CLOSING GENERAL COMMENTS:
- There are many websites available for specific, up-to-date and highly-detailed voting and elections info. Three very good ones: kftc.org elect.ky.gov and sos.ky.gov
- An unusual element of this years’ Primary Election is that Voting by Mail will be permitted. Full details of this are yet to be completed, but all voters should receive timely updates in the mail as to exactly how this will work.
- I have a developed generic Mail-solicitation VR program that I would be glad to send to anyone who asks. Just need a MAILING ADDRESS and EMAIL. Send to ejddad122@aol.com
Follow Sandy on Twitter @ ErinSandyDowns1
