Ahead of the upcoming primary election, Kentucky has cut the number of polling stations by 95 percent across the state, according to The Independent.

• Kentucky lawmakers have argued that the move along with ballot problems and voter confusion would suppress turnout, particularly given the current coronavirus pandemic.
• State officials issued a bipartisan statement “condemning US District Court Judge Charles Simpson’s ruling against a case that argued having just one polling site in most of the state’s 120 counties would result in voter suppression.” It read:

“We believe the judge disregarded evidence from our expert witness that one location will suppress the vote, particularly among African Americans.”

• Reports have also shown that voters throughout Kentucky have received inaccurate absentee ballots, which many requested to limit their exposure at polling stations during the pandemic.
• In a typical voting year there are approximately 3700 polling stations in Kentucky, whereas this election will only have 200. Voting rights expert Ari Berman disclosed in a tweet that “There will be one polling place for 616,000 registered voters in Louisville’s Jefferson County, where half the state's black voters live.”
• There are also concerns that large turnout will result in an “angry mob” and long lines that will contribute to greater voter confusion.

Read the full report.