The Associated Press

LEXINGTON - Political campaigns are gearing up for the temporary return of electioneering in Tuesday's primary.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson told local officials this week that Kentucky's ban on active campaigning within 500 feet of a polling place would not be in effect. In January, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared seven state election and campaign laws unconstitutional, and Kentucky officials are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case.

As a result, voters used to strolling to the polls without being pestered may find candidates who greet them and supporters who press fliers into their hands. The ban had been passed in 1988.

Parts of eastern Kentucky are likely to see the return of "striker cards" - small sample ballots with a candidate's name checked, intended as last-second propaganda.

Bill Jack Darby, a Prestonsburg printer, said the reminders "used to be a very standard practice, but it's been a while." This week, he printed 50,000 striker cards for the first time in more than decade.

Pippa Valley Printing and Publishing near Hindman has "several orders" averaging about 5,000 cards per candidate for the sample ballots, said co-owner Debra Hall.

Darby and Hall would not disclose their clients.

But Democrat Eric Shane Hamilton, who is running for state Senate in Floyd, Breathitt, Knott and Letcher counties, confirmed that his campaign is one of Darby's customers. He said he's trying to meet as many voters as possible, but may need the cards on Tuesday.

Incumbent Johnny Ray Turner isn't planning any electioneering.

"I think people would like to go to the polls and not be agitated," he said.

At least one local government has adopted its own electioneering ban. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved an ordinance Thursday that prohibits campaigning within 300 feet of the main entrance to a polling place.

"We need a prohibition of electioneering in order to make the election go smoother," said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins.

Sarah Johnson, executive director of the state Board of Elections, said several counties are trying to enact ordinances before Tuesday.

Johnson said some counties already have ordinances, such as Jefferson County's 200-foot ban, and Knox County's 50-foot ban.

Some are concerned the use of striker cards could invite illegal practices.

They "come up to you, hand you $20 and say 'Here's my cards, pass them out for me,' " said Darby.

Kentucky made vote buying a felony at the time it created the 500-foot barrier.