LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
From questions about procedures, election fraud, and absentee ballots, Kentucky’s Attorney General’s Office has been monitoring questions and complaints about the voting process.
“Absentee ballot voting seemed like an easy way to get it done," said Robbyn McClain, a Jefferson County voter.
It seemed like a no-brainer for McClain, a graphic designer and mother to a 6-year-old.
“Reducing the amount of elements we had to deal with," she said.
Wanting to avoid crowds at the polls, she filed an absentee ballot in late May. But when she checked the status of her application today, she said she received an error message.
“And if it’s affecting me, I know that I’m not the only one," she said.
“Feel free to reach out," said Kentucky's Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in regards to voters who have concerns.
Cameron has been tracking questions and complaints about suspected election law violations.
“We’ve got a group of prosecutors and investigators that receive that information and then make determinations from there as to what are next steps," he said.
Before the polls opened, his office received 148 complaints, and an additional 94 since this morning. The most common complaints are procedural questions, about polling locations and absentee ballots for example. Those numbers will be updated tonight at around 7:30 p.m., after polls close.
“There’s going to be some process where they’re going to review them on a case by case basis," said Nima Kulkarni, Kentucky State Representative for District 40.
Kulkarni, who’s been talking with voters all day at the Kentucky Expo Center, said for the most part, the voting process has been smooth.
“I haven’t heard from anybody that had any problems voting," she said.
McClain just wants her voice to be heard.
“I’m disappointed and nervous that my vote might not count," she said.
A spokesman with the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office said her vote will be counted. About 218,000 absentee ballots were requested in the county alone, and he said the state has until June 27 to make sure they’re all verified and scanned. McClain said she wishes that message was more clear for the public.
RESOURCES:
Kentuckians who witness election irregularities or possible election law violations are encouraged to call 800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The hotline is open during regular business hours and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on Election Day.
►Contact reporter Paula Vasan at pvasan@whas11.com on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram