LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky isn’t a battleground state for the presidential election, but plenty of voters still cast a ballot today.
Dozens of voters were waiting outside Southern Elementary School before the polls opened at 6 a.m., and those steady lines continued throughout the day.
Jerry Horne is a registered Independent, but today he voted straight Republican.
“I’m hoping we get less government. I’m hoping they get more people off welfare, get off all these government programs. It’s ridiculous. We’ve made a bunch of the American people lazy.”
Mitt Romney is expected to easily win Kentucky’s 8 electoral votes, but that didn’t deter Cynae Carter from voting for President Obama.
“I work in foster care and welfare and all that really affects them because they don’t have any support. And if Romney’s goal is that 47% doesn’t matter, that 47% represents the population I work with.”
A heated rematch between two candidates for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District appears to be just as close as it was two years ago, when Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler narrowly defeated Republican Andy Barr.
After waiting in line for about 20 minutes, Caren Leet of Lexington cast her ballot Barr.
“I think we need a change for our country. I was really torn so I prayed about it and I feel like I voted for the right person.”
Paul Tillier brought his dog Maya with him into the voting booth and says he supports Chandler and the Democratic Party platform.
“I think Ben Chandler should probably edge Mr. Barr but it’s going to be a close shave.”
Tillier was happy to see that voter turnout at his precinct was much higher than previous elections, and he says that’s good news no matter who wins.
