Helena Birdwell, Barren County Clerk, holds a Kentucky voter registration card. Those wishing to vote in the May 2022 primary election must ensure their party affiliation is the one they want to vote with by Dec. 31, 2021.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — The deadline to change party affiliation for next year’s primary election is Friday.
A primary election is used to narrow a pool of similarly affiliated candidates of one political party to one candidate. The 2022 primary is slated for Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
Barren County Clerk Helena Birdwell said voters who wish to change their affiliation must do so by Dec. 31, which is the state deadline.
“They either need to get to the office and fill out a new voter registration card and do that in person,” Birdwell said, “Or you can always go online and change your voter registration online.”
Voters must use govoteky.gov to change their party affiliation.
While voters may vote across party lines in the General Election, they are limited to votes only within their party for the primary. For example, an Independent affiliated voter may only vote for Independent registered candidates. Democrats may only vote Democrat, and Republicans may only vote for other Republicans.
Those not registered to vote can do so using the same processes. Those under 18 may still register if they will be 18 by the General Election.
“Let’s say you’re 17 years old right now but your birthday is in May. If you know you’re going to be 18 years old before the November General Election, you can register to vote now so that you can go ahead and vote in the May primary,” Birdwell said.
Voter turnout is a major priority for the clerk’s office. Birdwell said she encourages everyone to vote — especially young people.
“That’s a great idea, and it helps get those young folks out and get them interested in the election process,” Birdwell said.
The Barren County Clerk’s Office is open Wednesday and Thursday for regular business. The office is closed Friday in observance of New Year’s Eve.
