Voter registration increases in Kentucky in October

As the window for candidates to file to run in the 2026 election cycle opens, Kentucky is seeing a jump in voter registration.

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says more than 7,000 Kentuckians registered to vote in the month of October.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Republican registration in October increased by 2,736 voters. Independent or other registration increased by 1,968. Democratic registration decreased by 2,404 voters. Republican registration makes up 48 percent of the state electorate, Democratic registration makes up 41 percent, and independent or other makes up 11 percent.

The Secretary of State’s Office says 4,799 voters were removed from the rolls in October. 3,703 were deceased, 379 moved out of state, and 565 were convicted felons.

Kentuckians planning on voting in the May 2026 primary election must have their party registration set by December 31. Kentuckians can register to vote or check their registration status by visiting govote.ky.gov, or by contacting their county clerk’s office.