Jefferson County Polls Extend Voting Hours After Brief Shutdowns
In Jefferson County, Kentucky, two polling stations were ordered to stay open 30 minutes longer on Election Day after temporary disruptions caused brief closures earlier in the day. The Jefferson County Circuit Court extended voting hours for Blue Lick Elementary and Highland Baptist Church, allowing them to remain open until 6:30 p.m. instead of the usual 6:00 p.m.
### The Shutdowns
The polling stations at Blue Lick Elementary, which houses precincts 141 and 145, were briefly shut down due to a police pursuit in the area. The situation led to a lockdown at the school, making the polling location inaccessible for 30 minutes in the morning.
Similarly, Highland Baptist Church, which serves precincts L170, L171, L203, and L219, experienced a 30-minute closure due to a potential gas leak. The polling station was shut down as a precautionary measure to ensure voter safety.
### Court-Ordered Extension
To compensate for the lost time, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Brian Edwards issued an order to extend the voting hours at both locations until 6:30 p.m. The decision was made despite objections from the Jefferson County Republican Party, which submitted a written protest. However, the court found it necessary to provide extra time for voters who may have been affected by the closures. The court’s decision was in accordance with Kentucky law, specifically KRS 118.035, which allows for extended voting hours in cases of disruptions.
### Ensuring Voter Access
The extension of voting hours highlights the commitment to ensuring all eligible voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots, especially when unforeseen circumstances interfere with access to polling stations. Both Blue Lick Elementary and Highland Baptist Church were able to resume normal operations following the disruptions, allowing voters to continue casting their ballots through the extended period.
This incident underscores the importance of flexibility and swift judicial action in safeguarding the voting process, ensuring that even brief shutdowns do not prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote.
