FRANKFORT — The secretary of state received early morning complaints about voter intimidation at polling places in the hotly contested special election in the 18th state Senate District today.
The race features Democrat state Rep. Robin Webb of Grayson, Republican Dr. Jack F. Ditty of Bellefonte and Independent Guy E. Gibbons Jr. They are seeking to fill the seat vacated by Republican Charlie Borders who resigned to accept an appointment to the Public Service Commission.
Les Fugate, deputy assistant secretary of state, said he began fielding complaints about exit polling at precincts in Carter and Lewis counties at 6:30 a.m.
He said exit pollers are asking voters before they enter the polls for personal information and also asking them to request a list from poll workers of who has already voted – which is illegal in Kentucky though not in all states.
Fugate said the apparent intent is to use that information to get voters for their candidates to the polls by identifying who has and who hasn’t already voted.
“We got word (Monday) they’d be using exit polling, using it to determine who had voted,” Fugate said. Exit polling is legal and often used by campaigns, political parties and media to predict election outcomes. But normally voters are asked to voluntarily identify how they voted as they leave the polls.
He said poll workers complained to the county clerks who contacted him.
“Asking for personal information such as names and phone numbers could be seen as voter intimidation,” Fugate said. “But the law clearly says you can’t have a check-off list of who has voted.”
He said county clerks and poll workers have been told to warn the people asking voters for information to stop. After one warning, he said, they can be forced to leave if a second offense occurs.
RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.
Local News
Related Photos
-
John Flavell
Discussion
Early complaints at the polls
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
