Alcohol sales were on the ballot in 6 Kentucky counties. Here’s how the measures fared
Primary elections for governor and other down-ballot candidates hogged the spotlight Tuesday, but in six counties across Kentucky, voters weighed in on several alcohol-related questions.
Local bans on alcohol sales have been the norm for decades in Kentucky until only recently. As of 2011, more than a third of the state’s 120 counties remained legally dry.
But alcohol is big business in Kentucky, where the state’s “signature” bourbon industry is a $9 billion economic boon responsible for 22,500 jobs and $1.23 billion in payroll, according to the state cabinet for economic development.
Debates over prohibition have fallen along familiar lines over the years. While supporters contend sales will lead to more jobs, tourism and tax revenue, opponents reject alcohol on religious grounds or worry expanding sales will also boost alcohol abuse and drunk driving.
Tuesday, voters in Allen, Casey, Madison, Garrard, Henderson and Taylor counties took up several wet/dry ballot questions, concerning either countywide or more localized alcohol sales.
Here’s a look at the results in each county, along with the unique ballot questions posed to voters.
Wet/dry vote in Allen County, KY
Voters in Allen County were asked to choose either “yes” or “no” to the following ballot question: “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Allen County, Kentucky?”
The ballot measure succeeded there Tuesday night, with 3,053 voting “yes” and 2,290 voting “no.”
Prior to Tuesday’s election, the wet/dry issue stirred debate in the community, where green and red signs urging residents to vote sprouted readily.
Alcohol sales in Casey County, KY
Casey County voters were asked to select either “yes” or “no” to the ballot question: “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the territory of A103 Casey 3 Creston precinct in Casey County, Kentucky?”
Voters there rejected that ballot measure. In Casey County, 123 people voted “no” and 107 voted “yes.”
Casey County voters previously took up a similar ballot measure in 2016, which also failed, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
Alcohol questions in Garrard County, KY
Voters in Garrard County weighed in on two alcohol-related ballot questions. They are as follows:
“Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink at qualified historic sites in the E101/Paint Lick Precinct?”
“Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages at a microbrewery located in the E101/Paint Lick Precinct?”
On both questions, Garrard County residents voted “yes.”
The first ballot question got 191 “yes” votes and 164 “no” votes. The second received 188 “yes” votes and 167 “no” votes.
Garrard County is a “moist” county with alcohol sales only authorized within Lancaster city limits.
Historically, the county is known as the “birthplace of Prohibition,” given one of the movement’s champion’s, Carrie Nation, was born in the northern part of the county.
Alcohol sales in Henderson County, KY
Henderson County voters were asked whether they support the following ballot measure: “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the South Corydon precinct (C104) of Henderson County, KY?”
Voters OKd that ballot measure, with 87 voting “yes” and 36 voting “no.”
The approval means sales can now proceed in the community of Corydon.
Wet/dry in Madison County, KY
Madison County voters were also posed with the question of prohibition Tuesday: “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages within Madison County, Kentucky?”
Voters in Madison County overwhelmingly approved that measure, with 9,883 voting “yes” and 4,792 voting “no.”
According to WKYT, voters haven’t seen a similar ballot question since the early 20th century. Prior to the vote, only Richmond was entirely wet, while Berea was “moist,” with alcohol sales only allowed at restaurants.
Alcohol question in Taylor County, KY
Taylor County voters were asked: “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the Mannsville-Merrimac precinct in Taylor County, Kentucky?”
Voter there rejected that ballot measure. According to unofficial results, 113 voted “no,” while 71 voted “yes.”
Taylor County is also moist, with alcohol sales only allowed in Campbellsville.
This story will be updated.
Do you have a question about the 2023 election in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
