Kentucky voter registration trends show rise in independent voters

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – New voter registration data from the Kentucky Secretary of State shows a growing trend of voters registering outside the two major political parties.

In Fayette County, the shift is becoming increasingly noticeable. Officials say the county had 224,000 registered voters in February. Of the new registrations that month, 96 people registered as independents, while 52 chose Democrat, 32 selected “other,” and only 16 registered as Republican.

The Fayette County Clerk’s Office says the numbers highlight a changing political landscape and may reflect a desire among voters to move away from traditional party affiliations.

Across Kentucky, the trend is similar. The state recorded about 2,600 new voter registrations last month, with nearly two-thirds selecting “other,” which often includes voters identifying as independent.

Despite the rise in independent registrations, Kentucky still operates under a closed primary system. That means only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote for partisan offices during the May 19 primary election.

Some lawmakers are now pushing for open primaries that would allow independent voters to participate in those races. Officials with the Fayette County Clerk’s Office say they support that potential change.