LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With one week to go until Kentucky's primary election, there are several changes voters should know about before they head to the polls.

In Jefferson County, Louisville will host its first nonpartisan elections for mayor and Metro Council. That means there will be no party designation next to each candidate's name, and the top two candidates will move on to the general election.

"When Louisville votes, Louisville wins," Jefferson County Clerk David Yates said. "The areas that have turnout, the areas where people show up to vote, means they hold politicians accountable." 

Also this year, more than 75,000 independent voters in Jefferson County will be able to vote in the primary for the first time.

"It's an opportunity for more voices to be heard an more voters to take part in choosing our local leadership, but it only works if people participate," said Yates.

Statewide, all eyes will be on the race to fill Mitch McConnell's seat in the Senate, which is open for the first time since 1972.

"We're seeing a lot of interest in both of the major parties in that race because they both have open primaries in that race," Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said. 

One thing to note ahead of election day is that there will be names on the ballot that can't receive votes. For example, Nate Morris, who dropped out of the Senate race, will still appear on ballots. 

Adams said there will be notices at every polling location informing voters that Morris is no longer running.

With early voting set for Thursday, Adams said election officials are hoping for a larger turnout than usual.

"Typically, turnout is 15% on an off-year," he said. "I'd love to see it higher. Right now, we expect about 20 (%), maybe even north of 20 (%)."

County clerks throughout the state are hoping for the same thing — for people to show up.

"Primaries matter, and I hope that you guys please spread the word, make a plan to vote," said Yates.

In-person, excused absentee voting started last 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. Those are listed below:

  • Americana World Community Center
    • 4801 Southside Drive, 40214
  • The Arterburn
    • 310 Ten Pin Ln., 40207
  • Berrytown Recreation Center
    • 1300 Heafer Rd., 40223
  • Cyril Allgeier Community Center
    • 4101 Cadillac Ct., 40213
  • Epiphany United Methodist Church
    • 7032 Southside Dr., 40214
  • Goodwill Opportunity Campus - Broadway
    • 2820 W. Broadway, 40211
  • Goodwill Opportunity Campus - Preston
    • 6201 Preston Hwy., 40219
  • The Heritage — Shively Park
    • 1901 Park Rd., 40216
  • Immanuel United Church of Christ
    • 2300 Taylorsville Rd., 40205
  • The Jeffersonian
    • 10617 Taylorsville Rd., 40299
  • Jefferson County Clerk's Office - Downtown Branch
    • 200 S. Fifth St. Suite 228 First Trust Centre, 40202
  • Jefferson County Clerk's Office - East Branch
    • 12312 - A Shelbyville Rd., 40243
  • Jefferson County Clerk's Office - Fairdale Branch
    • 10616 W. Manslick Rd., 40118
  • Jefferson County Clerk's Office - West Branch
    • French Plaza — 228 Amy Ave., 40212
  • Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
    • 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., 40203
  • Lyndon Elks Lodge #2052
    • 904 Ormsby Ln., 40242
  • New Zion Baptist Church
    • 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Dr., 40211
  • Old Forester's Paristown Hall
    • 724 Brent St., 40204
  • St. Andrew United Church of Christ
    • 2608 Browns Ln., 40220
  • Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church
    • 4335 Hazelwood Dr., 40215
  • Sun Valley Community Center
    • 6505 Bethany Ln., 40272
  • Teamsters Local Union #783
    • 7711 Beulah Church Rd., 40228
  • Triple Crown Pavilion
    • 1780 Plantside Dr., 40299
  • U of L Shelby Campus - Founders Union Bldg. Rm. 218
    • 450 N. Whittington Pkwy., 40222

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.

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