High turnout expected as Kentucky voters cast their ballots on Election Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — As Americans across the nation head to the polls to make their voices heard Tuesday. Candidates running for office are using every last second to get their votes.

But in Kentucky, many people have already cast their ballots. Kentucky saw a record-breaking turnout for early voting this year and expects that number to grow. Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said nearly 800,000 people have voted so far in the 2024 general election, taking advantage of early voting, absentee ballots, and in-person absentee voting.

Of the more than 656,000 Kentuckians who showed up to the polls to vote early on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, nearly 53% were registered Republicans, 40% were registered Democrats, and about 7% were considered independent or other.

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Many of those people waited over an hour to cast their ballot and those long lines could continue into Tuesday. Adams expects a record-breaking turnout, north of 60%, and said turnout will likely be higher than in 2020 due to the removal of many deceased voters from the rolls.

"My gut is we're going to see roughly another million and a half people vote tomorrow. I'm thinking we're going to have a turnout of somewhere north of what we had last time—a bit of an uptick. We had 2.1 million voters vote in the 2020 general election; I think we'll be more like 2.3 this time," said Adams.

Even with such a high turnout expected, Adams said he is confident Kentucky ballots will be counted quickly and accurately. He says he expects the presidential race to be called shortly after 7 p.m. when polls close in the western part of the state.

State election officials are expecting it to be a busy day for the voters and volunteers who will fill polling locations across Kentucky for 12 hours. For many of you, this won't be your first time voting but there are some important things to remember before heading to the polls.

For starters, everyone planning to vote must be registered. The only other thing you'll need is a valid form of ID. Each voter does have a specific polling location they are assigned but in Lexington, the public libraries are also open for any voters. With expected turnout to top more than 60% by the end of the day, if you still need to vote, give yourself plenty of time to do so.

Voters FOX 56 talked with said that so far, the process for them has been smooth and quick. Most voters decided to head to the polls today because of long wait times due to early voting last week.

"The lines were so long for early voting. So that's why we decided to just come here really early today so we didn't have to wait in line," said Lexington voter Lori Folio.

"We still waited in a little line, but it wasn't bad," added Micheal Folio.

"It was quick and easy. Showed your ID, verified your name, date of birth, and address, signed your name, and got your ballot. The ballot took maybe five minutes at most," said Lexington voter Isaac Sebourn.

Adams said he does not anticipate any challenges with such a high turnout and will be ready to act if needed.

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"I encourage Kentuckians to do what they have done, which is to ignore these performers and social media gadflies and get your information from your election officials. Obviously, we've got a pretty good press shop here. We had stuff fast when it comes out, and it's false, but you can ask your county clerk and your poll workers as well," said Adams.

The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and as long as you are in line when they close, you can still cast your vote.