Jefferson County brings back 'I Voted' stickers after more than 30 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For the first time in 30 years, voters in Jefferson County will get an "I Voted" sticker at the polls during elections.

The stickers will return for the May 19 Kentucky primaries.

"We've listened to the voters. People love these stickers," Jefferson County Clerk David Yates said in a news release Thursday. "They're a small but meaningful way to celebrate participating in our democracy."

The clerk's office said the stickers were discontinued after reports they were often left on walls, floors, pews, and other surfaces at local churches, schools and fire stations that served as polling locations. The county election center, Yates said, was responsible for the damage, leading to the discontinuation.

For the past several elections, voters in Jefferson County received wristbands after casting their ballot.

The stickers will be available for voters casting ballots at all in-person excused absentee voting locations, in-person early voting sites and precincts on election day.

"Voting should feel good," Yates said. "If a sticker helps someone feel proud of casting their ballot — or encourages a friend to vote — then it's worth bringing back."

In-person, excused absentee voting started Wednesday in Jefferson County. Eligible voters can cast their ballots at the clerk's office election center, located at 1000 E. Liberty St. in Louisville, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Wednesday, May 13. A drop box will also be available at the election center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more or find out if you're eligible for in-person, excused absentee voting, click here.

In-person early voting runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14-16 at 24 locations across the county.

Kentucky's May primary election is May 19. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

You can check your voter registration status by clicking here.

All voters must have a photo I.D., or fill out a Voter Affirmation Form and present a social security card, food stamp ID card or any ID card with the voter's name and photograph.

To learn more about Kentucky's primary election, click here.