Local-option elections are complex

Many people believe that elections only consist of voting and seeing the results of the election on the television or reading them the next day in the paper. In fact, the election process starts months before Election Day.
Elections are a full-time job with some of the most complex responsibilities expected of an elected official. However, preparing for the election in the County Clerk’s Office is just one of the many responsibilities and duties that we handle.
Federal, state, and local laws govern how elections are conducted. Changes in these laws have a significant impact on the process and management of an election.
Your Owen County Board of Elections, Owen County Clerk’s Office, and Owen County Fiscal Court follow policies and procedures for areas of responsibility.
Election Day is truly a community-wide event that needs involvement of the entire county. As your Owen County Clerk, I love the opportunities to share ideas and to brainstorm solutions that can truly reflect the unique needs of the local voters. Together we will complete the tasks and be ready for the elections in Owen County.
During the past few months I have been asked about local-option elections.
Today, I would like to share a little information about this type of election. Hopefully, this will help answer some of your questions.
First of all, every local option election is unique; therefore, anyone requesting a local-option election should seek the advice of counsel. The local-option election statues in my opinion are some of the most difficult statutes to understand.
The issue of alcoholic beverages divided this nation resulting in the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcoholic beverage sales and production in 1919, and then a total reversal by the 21st Amendment repealing the 18th Amendment in 1934. Local-option elections over alcohol sales invoke a lot of emotion on both sides. Therefore, it is very important that the Owen County Clerk’s Office and other local governmental officials comply with all local option election laws.
In a local option election the cost of the election is paid directly from your county funds. The cost of an election county-wide in Owen County is around $ 25,000.
Local option elections are held when a petition is filed and it is determined to be valid. Then an order is issued to hold the election.
The clerk’s office and county board of elections gets busy preparing for Election Day. Poll workers are selected. Ballots are prepared. Machines are set and inspected. Absentee voting conducted. Supplies for Election Day ordered and packed. Election school held. Local-option elections must be prepared for just like the regular elections.
One thing is for sure, when it all comes together on Election Day, be sure to vote. You may find out more information about Kentucky wet/dry status on the ABC’s website, http://abc.ky.gov