Election turnout higher than expected

Voter turnout in Taylor County was better than expected.
According to County Clerk Mark Carney, 60 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots in Tuesday's general election. That makes Taylor County one of only five Kentucky counties with voter turnout of 60 percent or more.
Carney had predicted a 57 percent turnout.
Carney also said that at least two unsuccessful candidates - PVA candidate Joey Wasson and magistrate candidate Milford Lowe - are considering requesting a recanvass.
Candidates have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to file a request at Carney's office. If a candidate makes a request, the recanvass will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday at the Taylor County Courthouse.
As of Friday afternoon, statewide voter turnout was 48.9 percent. However, only 98.3 percent of precincts in the state had reported. The final two counties had only partially reported their vote counts.
Carney credits the strong turnout to quality candidates.
"We had some good races and good candidates," he said. "When you have good candidates, you will have a good turnout."
As packed as the ballot was and for as many voters who showed up, Carney said, Election Day was relatively problem free.
An e-Slate machine wouldn't turn on, a ballot scanner stopped scanning and about 10 voters had to wait 15 minutes while replacement ballots were printed.
Carney said he received calls early in the morning with concerns that city voters were not turning over their ballots and voting for the Campbellsville City Council race. Carney followed up on that complaint by making sure precinct workers reminded city voters to vote on both sides of their ballot. A reminder was also printed at the top and bottom of city ballots.
Carney doesn't know how many eligible City Council voters didn't cast votes in that race. However, comparing the number of City Council votes to four years ago, Carney said, it appears the double-sided ballot was not a problem for most.
Carney said 21.9 percent of voters filled in the straight ticket box, though that doesn't necessarily mean they actually voted a straight ticket. On absentee ballots, Carney noticed that some filled in the straight ticket box, but voted in all races - not always conforming to their party. Regardless, 1,163 Republicans and 1,036 Democrats filled in the straight ticket box.

Precinct by precinct results can be viewed below.
Staff Writer James Roberts can be reached at 465-8111 Ext. 226 or by e-mail at writer@cknj.com. Comment on this story at www.cknj.com.