By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren Countians who wish to vote in the May primary have roughly a week left to register.
April 20 is the last day to register to vote in the primary election, according to the 2026 Election Calendar. This also includes any changes a person wishes to make to their current registration.
As previously reported, Barren County has 31,651 registered voters, according to the State Board of Elections March 2026 report.
In Barren County the 11,678 Democratic voters will see very few primary elections on their ballot as most are between Republican candidates and Kentucky is one of eight states with closed primaries.
Several local races, such as the judge-executive race, five of the seven magisterial races and the sheriff’s race will be decided without going to the November general election because only Republicans are running, according to the Kentucky Secretary of State. Democratic voters will get to vote in the U.S. Senator, U.S Representative and Glasgow City Council races.
The Glasgow City Council primary is nonpartisan, meaning everyone who lives within the city limits will be able to vote in that election regardless of party.
A sample ballot can be found here.
Key Facts
• April 20 is the last day to register or update voter registration for the May primary, according to the 2026 Election Calendar.
• Barren County has 31,651 registered voters, including 11,678 Democrats, according to the State Board of Elections March 2026 report.
• Kentucky’s closed primary system means most contested local races are on the Republican ballot.
• Several local offices, including judge-executive, sheriff and most magisterial seats, will be decided in the primary, with only Republican candidates running.
• Democratic voters can vote in the U.S. senator, U.S. representative and Glasgow City Council races.
• The Glasgow City Council primary is nonpartisan.
