Kentucky experienced a significant surge in voter registration ahead of the May 19 primary election, with Secretary of State Michael Adams announcing nearly 10,000 new voters were added to the rolls in the weeks leading up to the registration deadline.

The registration increase of 9,839 voters marked the largest surge since the month of the 2024 presidential election. The state closed its registration books April 20 at 4 p.m. for the primary election.

"I'm heartened by the recent interest in voting this year for Congress, the General Assembly, judges, county offices, city offices, school boards, and at least one constitutional amendment," Adams said.

According to Adams, 3,146 voters were removed from the rolls, consisting primarily of individuals who had died, received felony convictions, and moved out of state.

The latest figures show Republicans now comprise 48 percent of Kentucky's electorate with 1,610,910 registered voters, while Democrats make up 41 percent with 1,374,537 registered voters. Both parties experienced registration growth, with Republican registration growing by 3,915 voters and Democratic registration growing by 1,168. Voters registered under other political affiliations, primarily independents, constitute 11 percent of the electorate.

State election officials are preparing for higher-than-average turnout in the primary, expecting about 20 percent compared to the typical 10 to 15 percent, driven by hundreds of federal, state and local races on the ballot. Voters can check their registration status at the Kentucky Voter Information Center.