OWENSBORO, Ky. (June 22, 2017) – Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes on
Thursday announced a new initiative for Kentucky lawyers to be of assistance to
state and local governments.
The Secretary of State’s Volunteer Lawyers Program will allow Kentucky attorneys to
lend legal assistance to matters that may arise on Election Days. The attorneys may
offer counsel to the Secretary of State, the State Board of Elections, county clerks
and local boards of elections.
“Our Commonwealth is flush with legal talent who are eager to give back to Kentucky.
The Volunteer Lawyers Program is a perfect way for attorneys to gain experience
working with government by helping navigate legal matters that arise on Election
Day,” Grimes said.
Problems at polling places on Election Day are often serious and convoluted for
persons not familiar with the intricacies of election law. The role of the volunteer
attorney will be to serve as a neutral source of information.
Volunteer attorneys who are part of the program must act in a neutral, non-partisan
capacity. The Secretary of the State will contact the volunteer attorney as needed
to respond to problems across the state. Attorneys prohibited from participating in
the program include those who are actively involved in a political campaign or whose
name or family member’s name appears as a candidate on the ballot.
As the 2018 elections approach, Secretary Grimes will work with the Kentucky Bar
Association to issue a call for attorneys to participate this fall. Attorneys
interested in serving in the Volunteer Lawyers Program should email
lindsay.thurston@ky.gov.