FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky saw a late surge in voter registration ahead of the May 19 primary election, with nearly 10,000 new voters added in the final 20 days before registration closed, Secretary of State Michael Adams announced Friday.

Barren County primary election voting guide

With the primary election approaching, Barrenside is breaking down what you need to know.

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From April 1 through April 20, statewide registration rose by 9,883 voters, while 3,146 were removed from the rolls due to factors including death, felony convictions, out-of-state moves, duplicate registrations, findings of mental incompetence and voluntary deregistrations.

“With hundreds of federal, state and local races on the primary ballot this May, we are expecting a turnout of about 20%,” Adams said. “Primary turnout typically is 10%-15%.”

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The forum will be moderated by Barrenside’s Brennan Crain, with questions drawn from public input and key issues facing the Barren County community.

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Republican registration remains the largest share of the electorate at 48%, totaling 1,610,910 voters, and increased by 3,915 during the period.

Democratic registration accounts for 41% of voters, or 1,374,537, and grew by 1,168. Voters registered under other affiliations, including independents, make up 11% of the electorate at 379,997, with an increase of 1,725.

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Barrenside also sent a survey to all candidates asking them to participate, helping readers better understand where they stand on key issues.

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State officials said the late-stage gains point to heightened voter engagement as Kentucky heads into a primary election featuring hundreds of federal, state and local contests.