Secretary Grimes Gets Vote Buying Complaint for Adair/Casey

Press Release Date: Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, in her capacity as Chair of the State Board of Elections and the Kentucky Election Integrity Task Force, is closely monitoring compliance with the Commonwealth’s election laws.

“This year, I expanded the Task Force to include representatives from a broader group of election and law enforcement officials,” said Grimes, “but voters are the first step in ensuring our elections remain free and fair. I encourage anyone who witnesses questionable election-related activity to contact the State Board at 800-246-1399.”

Leading up to the November 6, 2012, General Election, the State Board received 14 calls regarding the election, including procedural questions, complaints regarding electioneering, and allegations of vote fraud and vote buying:

Calls County Reason

1 Adair/Casey Vote Buying

1 Bell Voting Machine

3 Jefferson 1 Procedural; 1 Vote Fraud; 1 Other

1 Knox Vote Buying

2 Meade 1 Other; 1 Vote Buying

1 Oldham Other

1 Clinton Other

1 Kenton Other

2 Bullitt 2 Other

1 Casey Electioneering

The State Board directly addresses with local election officials many of the complaints it receives, including procedural inquiries. Allegations of criminal misconduct are forwarded to the United States Attorney and/or Kentucky Attorney General for potential investigation. Neither the State Board nor the Attorney General provides details regarding specific complaints or possible pending investigations.

“Polls will be open until 6 p.m. local time,” said Grimes. “I hope all eligible Kentuckians will make their voices heard and exercise the important right and responsibility of voting today.”