Candidates Draw for May Ballot Slots

Candidates Draw for May Ballot Slots

The hallway of the Breathitt County Courthouse was crowded on Thursday, January 15, but there was no mudslinging, name-calling, or rumors.

Just candidates, men and women, hoping to draw the lucky number one ballot position.

“I believe it’s good for about 45 or fifty votes,” one candidate for county-wide office said as he smiled.  “Some people just don’t want to have to hunt down the list for a name.” 

Opinions were divided.

“It does not really matter,” a first-time candidate said.  “If they are for you, the voters will find your name.”

The process, which occurs every four years, allows registered candidates or their representatives to randomly draw for the order in which their names will appear on the final primary ballot.

  It was nearly a standing-room-only crowd, with family and friends of the candidates joining them.

“I want to thank you all for your interest in our community,” Breathitt County Court Clerk Becky Watts told those gathered.  Watts, who is not seeking reelection, oversaw her final county-wide ballot draw.

The majority of the registered candidates appeared or sent a representative.

As required by state law, Watts called the group to order and explained the methods of drawing and the statutory regulations associated with the process.

With the help of several deputy clerks, candidates for the office of County Court Clerk started the event, and the process continued until placement had been determined for all 15 county-wide races.

KRS 118.225 requires a public drawing to determine the placement of candidates on the ballot.  Watts explained that the candidates would draw based on the date and time they complete their official registration.

Plain, white slips with numbers were prepared before the drawing started to speed up the process.  The slips were folded and placed in a clear glass.

With 54 candidates on the ballot, the process took about 30 minutes.

A heavy turnout is expected in Breathitt County.

Although all the candidates had the opportunity, few left with smiles and the coveted number one slot.

For a complete listing of the candidates and their ballot positions, see page ____.