By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
As the countdown to the May 19 primary continues, Barren County voters have increased, according to information obtained from the State Board of Elections.
Barren County voter registration increased between Feb. and March by 36 people, according to the board, with only the Democratic and Libertarian parties decreasing. Democratic registration was 11,702 in Feb. and 11,678 in March; Libertarian registration in Feb. was 140 compared to the 138 in March , according to the board.
Roughly 37 percent of those registered are Democrats and approximately 54 percent are Republicans, according to the board.
This voter increase mirrors the voter “surge” experienced by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adam’s office, according to an office press release. This month, 9,839 new voters were added to the rolls, which is the “the biggest surge since the month of the 2024 presidential election,” according to the release.
As a reminder, Kentucky has closed primary, meaning only those people who are registered as a Democrat or Republican will get to vote in their parties primary. In Barren County nearly all of the primaries — with the exception of the Glasgow City Council and congressional races — are between Republican candidates.
Some local races — for example, the Barren County Judge-Executive race — will be decided by the primary votes, since there is no Democratic challenger.
Key Facts
• Barren County voter registration increased by 36 people between February and March, according to the State Board of Elections.
• Democratic registration fell from 11,702 to 11,678 in that period.
• Libertarian registration dipped from 140 to 138.
• About 37% of Barren County voters are registered Democrats, and about 54% are Republicans.
• State officials report 9,839 new voters added statewide this month, the biggest surge since the month of the 2024 presidential election.
• Kentucky has a closed primary, so only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in their party’s primary.
• Many Barren County races, including the judge-executive race, will be effectively decided in the Republican primary.
