Governor Says State In COVID-19 Decline, Announces Details For Obtaining Absentee Ballots

Governor Andy Beshear said Friday the state COVID-19 case rate appears to be in a decline ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

His announcement comes on the same day when social distancing restrictions were lifted somewhat to allow 10 gatherings of 10 or fewer people and allow restaurants to open at 33-percent capacity.

click to download audioThe governor reported 141 new cases and five new deaths in the state Friday. According to the Center for Disease Control, Kentucky ranks 29th in the nation in total deaths and 30th in active cases.

The governor and Secretary of State Michael Adams gave an update on how Kentuckians can request an absentee ballot for the June 23 primary election. The state has activated a web portal for everyone to request a ballot with Adams saying the ultimate goals are to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.

click to download audioAdams says people can still vote in person on election day or take advantage of early voting at the county clerk’s office. He said people can also mail in the absentee ballot or drop it off at the county clerk’s office. The main priority will be social distancing at the polling locations and eliminating fraud.

click to download audioAdams says people must fill out an application for an absentee ballot and that everyone will be approved.

click to download audioWhen people sign their ballot, the signature will be compared to the signature on voter rolls. Postage for mailed in ballots will be paid for by the state. The web portal to request an absentee ballot will close June 15 at 11:59pm.

Meanwhile, Josh Benton with the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet said employers can now submit return to work dates for their employees. He said that will stop the benefit payment front he state once the person is back to work. He added that people should not keep requesting payment if they are back to work.

Beginning Sunday, there will be no more automatic unemployment payments. Everyone will have to request their payment every two weeks.

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