Kentucky's voter registration numbers remained largely unchanged in January 2026, with the Secretary of State's office reporting just 6,830 new registrations despite the approaching May 19 primary election.

The January figures mirrored December 2025's registration numbers, suggesting limited enthusiasm among voters as candidates begin their campaigns for statewide offices including the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Mitch McConnell.

Secretary of State Michael Adams attributed the lackluster registration activity to campaign strategy, saying "Candidates' appeals to date largely have been to donors, influencers, and other politicians, so voters are tuned out."

The state removed 4,220 voters from registration rolls in January. The majority of removals, 3,257, were due to deaths. State officials also removed 835 felony convicts, 55 voters who moved out of state, 33 people adjudged mentally incompetent, 19 who voluntarily de-registered, 14 duplicate registrations, and seven non-citizens from the rolls.

Adams said he is hopeful that campaign focus will soon shift toward Kentucky voters and their concerns. "I'm hopeful that soon these campaigns will turn their attention to Kentucky voters and address the issues that everyday Kentuckians are most concerned about," he said.

Voters in Kentucky have until April 20 at 4 p.m. to register for the May primary, which will include races for U.S. Senate, six congressional seats, all 100 Kentucky House districts, and even-numbered state Senate districts. Many city and county races will also appear on the ballot.

Early voting will be available May 14-16, with Lexington voters able to cast ballots at Lexington Public Library locations during those dates.