Lexington will use UK’s Kroger Field instead of closing schools for early voting

Valarie Honeycutt Spears
·2 min read

Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins said Thursday that he will use UK’s Kroger Field instead of closing some schools in May for early voting and primary election day.

Blevin’s plan to close some Fayette County Public Schools from May 12-17, which would have caused the district to use non-traditional instruction days, had been controversial with some parents and had prompted Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins to voice opposition.

But at Thursday’s school board planning meeting, Blevins said he had worked out an arrangement with the University of Kentucky.

UK spokesman Jay Blanton confirmed that UK had committed to using Kroger Field for May’s primary election.

“We have some dedicated space and the parking is much more doable in May with school completed for the semester,” Blanton said. Voting will happen in same basic area where UK previously held a vaccine clinic.

“We are always happy to be partners with our home community, particularly when the university gets the chance to make voting as easy and accessible as possible. We are honored to partner with the community on this civic endeavor,” Blanton said.

“I’m very excited to hear that news,” said Liggins who was trying to avoid closing schools.

“From the beginning of this ordeal, Dr. Liggins has not approved or endorsed my election plan,” said Blevins.

Blevins said a change in the state’s election law allows for three days of early voting. He said other states use two or three weeks or more.

He said he hoped “the passion displayed about closing schools” could be redirected to the source of the problem -- the legislature.

Lexington has few locations other than schools that meet the criteria for voting, Blevins said.

Blevins said the UK location was not a permanent solution nor is it ideal.

“We will face this problem again in the fall as a community,” said Blevins.

“I am sorry we are all in this position and closing the schools is not my first choice,” said Blevins.

But he said until he worked out the arrangement with UK it was his only choice. Blevins said state House and Senate leaders had been unwilling to help with the issue.

Blevins said he would like to work with Lexington Civic Center officials on a more permanent fix if he can’t get a legislative solution.