Kentucky’s primary election was Tuesday, May 21. Rowan County voters took to the polls to select their candidates ahead of the general election in November.
Less than six hours before polls closed, 939 people, or about 5.4% of registered voters in the county, had cast their ballot. Officials said approximately half were cast through early and mail-in voting.
The Republican ticket had options for a presidential candidate, as well as candidates for the U.S. House’s 5th Congressional District, with multiple newcomers running against incumbent Hal Rogers.
Michael Cornett is a registered Republican voter in Rowan County. He said no matter how big or small the scope of the election is, voting plays an integral part in keeping the country running.
“You need to vote for whoever you want to vote for. Then you go home, and if somebody says, ‘Who did you vote for,’ you can say, ‘It’s none of your business, that’s my personal choice.’ You can say the same thing in downtown Morehead. That’s your choice,” said Cornett. “That’s the only freedom we got that doesn't cost us anything.”
Cornett also said when choosing his candidate in the congressional race, he favored those with experience, established connections, and resources.
On the Democratic ballot, voters only had candidates in the presidential primary. Jim Stamper, a registered Democrat in the County, said everyone, regardless of party affiliation, has a responsibility to vote.
“Listen, we need the Republican party. Our system is a two-party system, and we need both parties, and we need them both to be doing the right thing for the right reason. And it’s not about power and money all the time. We need to take care of our people, and we need to take care of our government, and that means we need to take care of our democracy,” said Stamper.
Officials expect a much higher turnout for the November general election, where voters will decide on the next President.