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Early Voting Bill Moves Forward

Josh James
/
WUKY

Voters would be able to cast ballot at least 12 days ahead of elections under a new bill approved by a House committee Monday.

House Bill 290, the early voting measure, has the backing of Democratic Sec. of State Alison Lundergan Grimes – who offered her pitch to the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.

"It's what Kentuckians are wanting, demanding... and I'm hoping that the General Assembly will deliver," she said.

Grimes argued special groups are already allowed to vote early and expanding the privilege to all Kentuckians would increase participation. Republican Rep. Joseph Fischer raised concerns about potential conflicts with the state Constitution, but Grimes said her team believes no amendment would be necessary and an Attorney General opinion agrees.

Just over 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in the November 2015 election.

The measure now heads to the full House.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.