With the implementation of computerized voting machines, Harlan County Clerk Donna Hoskins said election officers reported some residents are hesitant to use the new machines.
As a result, Hoskins has set up a computerized voting booth in her office. She is inviting anyone interested in learning how to use the voting machine to come by her office any time during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Her staff will instruct anyone interested in using the machine.
“The booth is set up so that you can actually go through the process of voting,” said Hoskins. “We have placed fictitious names and offices you may place a vote for to get you comfortable with using the new voting booth.”
With a countywide election set for 2014, Hoskins said everyone needs to know how to use the voting booths so they feel comfortable in casting ballots.
“All your county offices such as county judge-executive, sheriff, magistrate, property valuation administrator (PVA), county attorney, jailer and county clerk will be on the ballot in the primary and general elections of 2014,” said Hoskins. “In our last general election in November, we saw 52 percent of registered voters casting their votes. We’d like to see that percentage even higher because we have 19,000 registered voters in Harlan County. Anyone not registered to vote has until 30 days before the primary or general elections to come by my office and register.”
Hoskins said she has arranged for scout and brownie troops to visit her office and familiarize themselves with the voting booth so they may teach their parents or siblings.
She said she invites teachers to bring their classrooms to learn the process as well.
Hoping to encourage youth to think about the voting process and become interested in local, statewide and world politics, Hoskins said she is excited to have the voting booth available in her office.
“This project is to prepare everyone for the upcoming elections,” said Hoskins. “Through my election officers, we saw a need to have the voting booth available for those who want to vote, but don’t understand the use of the booth. Anyone wanting to practice just come by and we’ll practice with them. We now have an elevator in the courthouse, so it’s easier for anyone wanting to come to our office.”
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com.
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