Ben Overby
Contrbuting Writer
Kentucky voters have more options to participate in the general election on Nov. 3 than previous years because of COVID-19.
Drew Seib, associate professor of political science and interim department chair, provided insight into both the importance of taking part in the electoral process and how students can participate in this year’s election.
While Murray State has helped keep campus COVID-19 cases low, some students who vote in Murray are worried about their voting options if Murray State has to transition to virtual-only instruction. While Seib is optimistic that this transition won’t happen, he recommends students apply for an absentee ballot as soon as possible.
“You can request your absentee ballot now, but the state of Kentucky is not sending out ballots yet,” Seib said. “They should be sending them out really soon. They are in the process of printing at the moment. The deadline to request them is Oct. 9.”
Seib said whether students plan to vote in person or by mail, the most important thing is to have a plan. The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 5.
Seib also said rhetoric about more absentee ballots opening up the door for mass voter fraud is not based in fact and should not deter people from the method.
“There have been investigations into potential fraud and very little comes out of it,” Seib said. “As someone who teaches about democracy and ensuring democratic legitimacy, but also someone who studies voters and elections, it’s not something I’m concerned about.”
Seib also emphasized the importance of Murray State students and young people in general participating in elections. Seib said the political priorities of younger and older voters, even within the same political party, can vary greatly.
Seib discussed an older person’s likeliness to care about social security and a younger person’s likeliness to care more about making education affordable as an example. Because older people turn out in larger numbers to vote, politicians focus more on their needs. However, Seib said if young people become a more powerful political force, it could alter the priorities of politicians.
“Long term, the youth are going to have to take on the consequences of the policies we choose to enact,” Seib said.
Govoteky.com directs people to the website for the Office of the Secretary of State of Kentucky which includes information about the various voting options for Kentuckians. The first option is absentee ballot by mail.
“Kentuckians concerned with contracting or spreading COVID-19 can request a ballot by mail,” according to the website.
Ballots can be requested through the website until Oct. 9. In order for these ballots to count, they must be postmarked by election day on Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6. Dropbox locations, determined by county clerks, will be available for those worried about postal delays, according to the website
Voting Kentuckians also have the option of voting early.
“Beginning Oct. 13, three weeks before the election, every work day between Oct. 13 and Election Day, and every Saturday for at least four hours, every county clerk will provide a location for safe in-person voting,” according to the website.
It is also clarified that early voting differs from absentee voting. Anyone can vote early for any reason.
Voting in person on Election Day is the voter’s last option. County election officials will be deciding election sites for Election Day, according to the website. Additionally, every county will have at least one voting super center where people can vote regardless of precinct.
Photo ID will be required, with exceptions.
“Kentuckians who were unable to get a driver’s licenses or photo ID due to the pandemic because their clerk’s office was closed, or because they were afraid of exposing themselves to COVID-19, can sign a document explaining this concern and cast their ballot,” according to the website.
Voting information, the absentee ballot request portal and voter registration are available on govoteky.com.
