Here’s how Kentucky voters can locate sample ballots, candidate info for 2024 election
If you’re tired of the political ads and unsolicited campaign texts and calls, the end is in sight. Voting in the 2024 General Election is underway.
Polls will open in Kentucky for Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
There’s more on the ballot this fall than just the presidential showdown between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. Kentuckians will also cast their votes in several congressional, judicial and local city council and school board races, alongside two constitutional amendments.
In Fayette County, six urban council districts will have contested races and three seats on the Fayette County Board of Education are up for grabs. An additional tax referendum is before all Lexington voters querying support for an additional property tax to fund city park improvements.
If you need to catch up or prepare before you head to the ballot box, here’s how you can locate your sample ballot to see exactly which races you are eligible to vote in. We’ve also wrapped up some reputable sources for finding information about candidates and more.
Where can I find my Kentucky sample ballot for the 2024 General Election?
The state’s voter information portal at govote.ky.gov offers a slew of resources, including information on voter registration status and finding polling places. It also includes a quick link to all Kentucky sample ballots in this election.
There, you can select your county of residence to view a sample ballot.
Kentucky does not provide individual sample ballots by precinct. Instead, you can look for your precinct in the list under each race to see if it will appear on your Election Day ballot. Some races, like the presidential contest and the constitutional amendment, will be on every ballot.
If you need additional help reviewing a sample ballot, one may be available at your polling place.
Kentucky is one of just a handful of states that allows straight-ticket voting, meaning voters who would like to vote for one party in all partisan races (Republican, Democratic, Libertarian or Kentucky Party) may do so by filling in a single box at the top of their ballot. Note that straight-ticket voting does not include nonpartisan races, so review your ballot carefully to ensure you vote in all contests and any ballot measures.
How can I find reputable information about candidates?
Many state and national outlets are providing coverage of the presidential race, including The Associated Press, which offers live coverage through its Ground Game project.
If you need information on state and Fayette County candidates, the Herald-Leader offers comprehensive coverage of local races, rounded up in our 2024 Voter Guide available at Kentucky.com. There, you can find candidate statements and profiles, the latest election news, race endorsements and more.
If you live elsewhere in Kentucky, check your local paper or news organization.
Several nonpartisan groups also offer information directly from candidates. The League of Women Voters Vote 411 project is a resource offering candidate and general election information in all 50 states.
Votesmart.org also offers basic candidate information for races across the U.S.
Do you have a question about elections in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.