What Northern Kentucky voters told us on Election Day

More: Kentucky primary: Live results from governor, secretary of state and other primary races

Some poll workers said there have been just a few dozen voters showing up to the polls, despite the hotly contested gubernatorial race among Republicans. Whoever wins the primary will likely go up against Gov. Andy Beshear, though he's also facing challengers.

After a low voter turnout in Northern Kentucky, polls closed throughout the state at 6 p.m.

Here are a few people we talked to at the polls during election day.

Kenton County

5:30 p.m., Covington

Over 12,000 people had voted in Kenton County by 5:30 p.m., which is around 8% of registered voters.

Democrat Joseph Bias, 68, cast a ballot around 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center. He voted for Gov. Andy Beshear because he said the governor has handled emergencies, such as the tornadoes in western Kentucky and flooding in eastern Kentucky, well. He also credits Beshear with helping to get the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project started.

"The next person is going to come in and act like they did it and I don't want that to happen. He did all this work and I want him to keeping going ... until he gets all he can do done."

Stephanie Hennessey, 38, said she also voted for Beshear. She appreciates how he handled COVID-19 precautions at the beginning of the pandemic.

"He made people feel comforted during a hard time, made us feel safe," she said.

Campbell County

2 p.m., Fort Thomas

Over 130 people had voted at the Campbell County library in Fort Thomas by early afternoon. About half a dozen poll workers said this election has been particularly slow, likely because of the short ballot and bad weather.

Democrat Wayne Kirsch, 68, made it out to vote around 2 p.m. and cast a ballot for Gov. Andy Beshear.

"I thought he handled the COVID situation very well. He also seems to support the nonprofits and artistic area, which I'm involved with, and I'd like to see him continue," he said.

Mother-daughter duo Barbara Stinnett and Cindy Blau, 66, are also Beshear supporters. Blau said she appreciates Beshear's actions during the pandemic.

"I feel like what he did really probably saved a lot of lives and the other disasters – the flooding and the tornadoes that hit Kentucky – he was wonderful."

1 p.m., Newport/Bellevue

Just over 50 people had voted by 12:15 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center in Newport. Poll workers said turnout had been lower than they expected.

Elizabeth Shely, 66, declined to talk about who she voted for at the polls. But she said, "I just believe it's a privilege, but it's also my civic duty and I think it's really important to exercise my vote."

A few streets away at the Campbell County Administration Building, turnout was also low. Roughly 44 people had voted by 1 p.m.

Tammy Nolan, election integrity committee chair for the Campbell County Republican committee, said turnout has been low in a lot of the county but primaries are important.

"For me, this is important because this is going to affect so much in our state. Andy Beshear shut down our churches. Andy Beshear shut down our small businesses, mandated us to take vaccines. It is so important that this never happens again," she said.

She voted in Bellevue for gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron because she doesn't believe candidate Kelly Craft, who is married to a billionaire, will listen to her needs. Craft is married to coal-industry billionaire Joe Craft.

Newport Republican Harold Carrier, 69, said he is also a Cameron supporter because he believes Cameron is a good Christian man and will be fair to everyone in the state.

Boone County

9:15 a.m., Hebron

By 9:15 a.m., more than 70 voters had hit the polls at Connor Middle School. One poll worker said there's been a steady stream of voters all morning.

Democrat Carol Sherman-Jones, 62, said voting is a civic duty she does to make sure her voice is heard and to preserve democracy.

She voted for Gov. Andy Beshear because she said he has Kentucky's best interest in mind.

"I like the way he handled COVID, that's one thing, and I also really like the way he treats teachers," she said.

She also applauds him for helping to get the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project underway, which will create jobs and increase revenue in the state.

8:15 a.m., Burlington

A poll worker said about 33 people had voted by 7:45 a.m. at Burlington Elementary School, lower than what the volunteers were expecting.

One Republican Ona Bond, 54, said she always votes to have a say in who's running the country, but she also does it to honor her grandfather.

"My grandfather was a World War II vet and he paid with almost his life for me to vote and I'm not going to throw that away. ... If I did not come out to vote, it would be like saying what he did for our freedom in the country was for nothing," she said.

Bond voted for Kelly Craft in the gubernatorial race. A major factor in the vote is Craft's anti-abortion stance.

Republican Chuck Wills, 74, is another Craft supporter. The Vietnam veteran said it's people's duty to come out to vote. He says he supports Craft's education reform along with other issues.

"I like a lot of her policies against the wokeness in the country," Wills said.

7 a.m., Florence

At the Boone County library in Florence, no voters had arrived by around 6:15 a.m. Down the road at the Boone County High School polls, less than a dozen people had voted by 6:45 a.m.

One Republican voter who showed up early, Martin Petroze, 69, said he usually votes in the primary, but this one is especially important because of the crowded governor's race. He voted for Kelly Craft.

"I like her stance on some of the major issues as far as abortion, gay rights, transgender topics – I like where she stands," he said.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. today. Find your sample ballot and polling location here.

What's on the ballot?

All state offices are up for election this year, though the biggest race to keep an eye is the gubernatorial race.

The Republicans have a crowded race with 12 candidates, including frontrunners Daniel Cameron, Kelly Craft and Ryan Quarles.

More: Voter guide: Here are the Republicans running for Kentucky governor in 2023

Gov. Andy Beshear is challenged by Peppy Martin and Geoff Young.

More: Voter guide: Here are the Democrats running for Kentucky governor in 2023

Republican incumbent Michael Adams is also facing challengers for secretary of state from Stephen Knipper and Allen Maricle.

More: Voter guide 2023: Here are candidates for Kentucky secretary of state

Other races include the state treasurer, state auditor and agriculture commissioner

Have a problem at the polls?

You can report issues at the polls by calling 800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The Kentucky State Board of Elections, which can be contacted at 502-573-7100, can help you if you have questions about voting.

We want to hear from you if you have a problem at the polls. You can email us at jolenea@gmail.com.

NKY voters: Problem at the polls? Long lines? Let us know

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kentucky primary election 2023: What NKY voters told us at the polls