As the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly wrapped up in Frankfort, the election cycle in the Bluegrass state is well underway. May brings Primary Election Day in the Commonwealth – the first opportunity for Kentucky voters to weigh in on who will represent them across local, state, and federal elected positions.

What to Know About Primary Elections in Kentucky

Unlike the General Election that takes place in November, Primary Elections are an opportunity for voters registered with a party to determine who will be on the ballot in November. Kentucky conducts closed primaries, which means only those registered with either the Democratic or Republican party may participate. 

Those voting in the Primary Election will see the candidates running for local, state, and national elected positions within their own party on their ballot. Some candidates may not have a primary opponent and will only be featured on the ballot in the November General Election. 

You can find information about Primary Elections in your area and see a sample ballot here. 

The deadline to register to vote in the Kentucky Primary Election is April 20th at 4pm ET. Primary Election Day is May 19th, 2026.

What to Know About Primary Elections in Kentucky

Unlike the General Election that takes place in November, Primary Elections are an opportunity for voters registered with a party to determine who will be on the ballot in November. Kentucky conducts closed primaries, which means only those registered with either the Democratic or Republican party may participate. 

Those voting in the Primary Election will see the candidates running for local, state, and national elected positions within their own party on their ballot. Some candidates may not have a primary opponent and will only be featured on the ballot in the November General Election. 

You can find information about Primary Elections in your area and see a sample ballot here. 

The deadline to register to vote in the Kentucky Primary Election is April 20th at 4pm ET. Primary Election Day is May 19th, 2026. 

Making Kids Count in the Primary Election

Kids cannot vote, but you can ensure that their voices are heard by engaging with candidates in local, state, and federal elections and being an informed voter. 

  • Check out how kids and families are faring in your county by viewing the last Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Dashboard.
  • Review the sample ballot for your county and get to know the candidates and their platforms. 
  • Engage with your local candidates by asking what they plan to do to improve the lives of kids and their families – this could be via email, at a town hall or other public event, or at a scheduled site visit at your organization or the candidate’s office. 

The simple questions of, “What have you done for kids lately?” and “How do your policies serve the needs of kids in our community?” can speak to how they plan to prioritize the well-being of kids and families. 

Let’s make kids count in this election, Kentucky!

Making Kids Count in the Primary Election

Kids cannot vote, but you can ensure that their voices are heard by engaging with candidates in local, state, and federal elections and being an informed voter.

  • Check out how kids and families are faring in your county by viewing the last Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Dashboard.
  • Review the sample ballot for your county and get to know the candidates and their platforms. 
  • Engage with your local candidates by asking what they plan to do to improve the lives of kids and their families – this could be via email, at a town hall or other public event, or at a scheduled site visit at your organization or the candidate’s office. 

The simple questions of, “What have you done for kids lately?” and “How do your policies serve the needs of kids in our community?” can speak to how they plan to prioritize the well-being of kids and families. 

Let’s make kids count in this election, Kentucky!