FRANKFORT, Ky. — Secretary of State Michael Adams, R-Ky., announced voter registration in the state continued to grow ahead of the May primary, with 8,306 new voters registering from April 1 to April 22, the pre-primary registration deadline.

“It’s time for Kentuckians to have their say for President and other important offices,” said Adams. “It remains easy to vote and hard to cheat in the Commonwealth.”

In the month of April, 4,593 voters were removed from the voter rolls — 3,349 dead voters, 562 voters who moved out of state, 543 felony convicts, 59 duplicate registrations, 48 voters who voluntarily de-registered and 32 voters adjudged mentally incompetent.

Republicans continue to hold a registration advantage in Kentucky, holding 46% of the electorate with 1,615,451 voters. Republican registration rose by 2,684 voters, a .17 percent increase. Democratic registrations make up 43% of the electorate, with 1,511,242 voters. Democratic registrations dropped by 716 voters, a .05% decrease.

Independent or third-party registrations continue to increase, rising to 364,312 registrants. That’s up by 1,745 voters, a .48% increase. “Other” registrations make up about 10 percent of the electorate.

Kentuckians who wish to cast their ballot can vote early with no excuse on May 16-18. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 21. Polling locations can be found on the secretary of states voting website.