LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentuckians hoping to vote in November’s general election must register by Oct. 7. Besides the 2024 presidential candidates, other tickets on the ballot include U.S. Representative, State Senate and State Representatives.

What You Need To Know

  • The deadline to register to vote in Kentucky is Oct. 7

  • The Secretary of State’s office said as of August, 78% of Kentuckians have registered to vote

  • Kentuckians can register to vote online, by mail or in person at the local election office. Registered voters can apply for absentee voting or early in-person voting 

  • Voters can request an absentee ballot beginning Sept. 21

According to Secretary of State Michael Adams, R-Ky., over 78% of Kentuckians are registered to vote as of August. 46% of those are registered as Republican, 43% as Democrat and 11% as Independent. Adams also said voter registration saw the largest increase since 2022 in June.

The Jefferson County Board of Elections is working to continue to grow the number of registered voters.  

Ashley Tinius said her team has been attending many community events to help get as many people as possible registered to vote ahead of the election in November. 

 “I think there’s sometimes, I guess, a tendency to feel like it’s not as important, but we don’t feel that this year. I don’t feel that any year. But I feel that this year, the November election is going to be a very, very big election. And we want to make sure that people are registered,” Tinius said.

The Jefferson County Board of Elections reports nearly 626,000 people have registered—32% as Republican, 56% as Democrat, and nearly 12% as Independent. 

Tinius encourages people to confirm they are registered to vote and their addresses are up to date. She says voting can be especially important for those who live in home-rule cities like St. Mathews, Middleton or Shively. 

“Those make decisions about where you are, what goes on in your backyard. So as far as trash collection, water services, things that really do impact you, you want to make sure that you have looked at that ballot and you have decided who you want on it because those votes could be decided by just a one person vote,” Tinius said.

Kentuckians can register to vote online, by mail or in person at the local election office. Registered voters can apply for absentee voting or early in-person voting. 

The portal to request an absentee ballot opens Saturday Sept. 21 and remains open Oct. 22. 

Spectrum News 1 has links to help with requesting absentee ballots, checking your voter status and updating your registration on our website. 

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