Early voting underway for special election to fill vacant Kentucky Senate seat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Early voting is underway in Jefferson County for a special election to fill a vacant Kentucky Senate seat.

Early voting started Thursday to fill the state's 37th District seat, which covers the area west of the airport, south of Shively and north of Valley Station.

Democratic candidate Gary Clemons, Republican Calvin Leach and Libertarian Wendy Higdon are running to fill the seat.

Clemons is a U.S. Army veteran and union president. Leach previously served in the Army Reserve and works at Louisville’s airport. Higdon is a senior surgical technologist and former founder of the Louisville Tea Party.

The seat opened up after David Yates was appointed Jefferson County clerk following the death of longtime clerk Bobbie Holsclaw.

The winner will serve out the remainder of Yates’ term.

Yates cast his ballot Friday morning at Harbor House on Lower Hunters Trace, which is one of eight voting centers open for early voting in the special election.

"Special elections are tricky, because we aren't accustomed to dates and times," Yates said. "It's really a way to get out and make sure that your voice is heard and that you strike a vote for your candidate. Right now, in the middle of December, it's not convenient. I know the weather is not great, but I can tell you each eight polling locations are accommodating."

Early voting runs until 6 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A list of voting centers can be found by clicking here.

To learn more about the special election, click here. To check or update your voter registration, click here.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman activated the state's Election Fraud Hotline ahead of some special elections in the state. Voters are asked to report any suspected election law violations or voting irregularities by calling 800-328-VOTE (8683).

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