Kentucky primary early voting 5-16-24

Kentuckians cast their ballots at the Expo Center in Louisville on Thursday, May 16, 2024, for the first day of early voting in the state's May 21 primary election. (WDRB photo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Voting in a special election to fill a vacant seat on the Kentucky Senate begins Wednesday.

The special election is for Jefferson County's 37th District seat, which covers the area west of the airport, south of Shively and north of Valley Station.

The seat was left vacant when Jefferson County Clerk David Yates took over as Jefferson County Clerk following the death of longtime clerk Bobbie Holsclaw. 

Democratic candidate Gary Clemons will be facing off against Republican Calvin Leach in the special election, scheduled for Dec. 16.

Excused, in-person absentee voting for the special election starts Wednesday and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday through Dec. 10.

Voters must meet the following requirements to vote during this period:

  1. I am a covered voter under the Kentucky Uniform Military and Overseas Act, KRS 117A.010
  2. I am a student who temporarily resides outside the county of my residence.
  3. I am incarcerated in jail but have not been convicted of the crime for which I have been charged.
  4. I have changed my place of residence to a different state during a period in which my new state’s voter registration books are closed (you will receive a ballot only for the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States).
  5. I am temporarily residing outside of Kentucky but am still eligible to vote in the state
  6. I will be absent from my county of residence on Election Day and on all of the days that in-person absentee voting is conducted.
  7. I am a participant in the Secretary of State’s crime victim address confidentiality program.
  8. I am not able to appear at the polls on Election Day or on the days in-person absentee voting is conducted on account of age, disability, or illness and I have not been declared mentally disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Excused, in-person absentee voting takes place at the Election Center, 1000 E. Liberty St., in Louisville.

No-excuse, in-person absentee (early) voting for those who do not meet these requirements runs Dec. 11-13 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Voters can also cast their ballots on Election Day, Dec. 16, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at one of the eight voting centers in the district. A list of locations can be found by clicking here.

To learn more about the special election, click here.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman recently activated the state's Election Fraud Hotline ahead of some special elections in the state. Voters are asked to report any suspected election law violations or voting irregularities by calling 800-328-VOTE (8683).

Related Stories: 

Jefferson County election machines certified for Dec. 16 special election

Jefferson County clerk encouraging voter turnout for special election to fill Senate seat

Louisville Democrats nominate Gary Clemons for vacant Kentucky Senate seat

Kentucky to hold special election in December to fill Louisville state Senate seat

Kentucky senator sworn in as Jefferson County clerk during Louisville ceremony

Urban League, NAACP question mayor’s choice of Sen. David Yates as county clerk

Louisville leaders announce new Jefferson County sheriff, county clerk

Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw dies at the age of 81

Kentucky state senator announces candidacy for Jefferson County clerk

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