http://local12.com/news/local/ky-caucus-catches-republican-voters-by-surpriseKY caucus catches Republican voters by surpriseBY JOE WEBB TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 2016
COVINGTON, Ky. (Joe Webb) - Kentucky's registered Republicans will have to do a little extra work this election season, thanks to U.S. Senator Rand Paul.
The Republican Party of Kentucky took the presidential primary off the May ballot so Senator Paul could legally run for both president and United States Senator. In March 2016, Kentucky Republicans will caucus to determine how candidates split up the 46 delegates to the Republican National Convention.
"The caucuses are being held on March 5th which is a Saturday," said Kenton County Republican Chairman Greg Shumate. "They are being held statewide from 10 a.m. to 4 o'clock in the afternoon."
Each county will host its own caucus in one location. Kenton County Republicans will caucus at Summit View School in Independence. Campbell County Republicans will meet Campbell County High School . The Boone County GOP will vote at Florence Baptist Church on Mt. Zion Road.
Most voters Local 12 News spoke with Tuesday, Feb. 2, were unaware of the changes made to accommodate Paul's dual candidacy.
Pam Grone of Villa Hills was expecting to cast her vote in May, "I just thought we'd vote in the same place we usually do at the city building. No?"
The caucus format is being implemented for this election cycle only. It's costing the Republican Party of Kentucky about $500,000 to pull it off but Senator Paul is paying about half of the cost. Unlike conventional elections, campaigns will be allowed on the sites. They will not be allowed to interact with voters in the designated voting area. Republicans are calling it a caucus but the format is much different than the presidential caucuses in Iowa.
"You're going to have to bring your photo ID and sign in," said Shumate. "You will be ushered into the voting room. Your ballot will look just like a regular ballot. You're going to color in the blank, scan the ballot and the results will be tabulated at the end of the day."
Democrats will vote for president and other offices on the ballot during the traditional primary May 17. Republicans will vote in May for all offices other than president. Shumate estimates the caucus turnout will be half what it normally is for primary elections.
For more information on the caucuses CLICK HERE.