Despite abortion amendment, Fayette County voter turn out lower than in 2018

Fayette County voters turned out on smaller numbers Tuesday than in 2018, the last round of midterm races.

According to data from the Fayette County Clerk’s office, 42% of registered local voters cast a ballot this week compared to 52% in 2018.

In 2018, there was also no constitutional amendment that dealt with abortion like on Tuesday. Approximately 73% of Fayette County voters said “no” to an amendment that would prohibit the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Statewide, the amendment revising the constitution was defeated.

“Honestly, I’m shocked that the turnout was lower than in 2018,” said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. “All day we heard anecdotally that turnout was strong and steady. I was just sure that Amendment 2 would drive a lot of people to the polls.”

In 2018, Democrat Amy McGrath took on Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, in a contentious and closely watched race, that brought both Republicans and Democrats to the polls. Barr defeated McGrath in that race.

This year, Barr faced Geoff Young, a candidate who was not backed by the Democratic Party due to his often controversial and outlandish stances. Barr easily defeated Young.

Tuesday’s voter turnout was also lower than in 2014, another midterm election year, when 47% of Fayette County voters showed up at the polls.

That year also had another hotly contested race at the top of the ticket: Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes failed to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Republicans may have decided to stay home this year because neither Barr or U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who easily beat Democrat challenger Charles Booker, appeared to be in jeopardy of losing their jobs, Blevins said.

Statewide voter turnout was still not available late Wednesday.

Typically, Fayette County’s voter turnout is higher than the state.