Fayette County clerk's message to city leaders; we are busy

With Election Day just two weeks from Tuesday, the Fayette County Clerk’s office is a busy place. County Clerk Susan Lamb said early voting without an excuse runs October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd. Lamb said all six public libraries will be staffed to serve voters.

“In November of 2023 we accommodated 16,712 voters during the three days at four locations. So, get ready, because we’re going to blow the socks off that number. It’s gonna be crazy,” said Lamb.

With that said, Lamb said voters should anticipate some waiting at voting locations. She said it’s important to “know before you go.” She specifically cited the two state constitutional amendment questions and one local referendum in Fayette County. Lamb said Fayette County still has 286 precincts.

Vice Mayor Dan Wu made it clear he is not a fan of straight line ticket voting.

“Personally I think the Party ticket box is one of the worst things you can put on a ballot because I feel like it bypasses your rationale thinking and your ability to research your candidates and your issues and you just kind of do, in my mind, a lazy thing,” said Wu

And he and Lamb both said a straight-line party vote eliminates the opportunity to vote for Council candidates in their non-partisan races. Lamb said a large number of absentee ballots have already come in the Clerk’s office.

In response to a question from Council Member Chuck Ellinger, Lamb said voters are not able to vote at a voting center and then cast a ballot at their local precinct. The County clerk said there are poll pads at each location to signify when someone votes.

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