Getting ready for the 2026 election cycle

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – This year was a pretty calm year politically for the state of Kentucky, as no elections took place this year, but election season is slowly heating up as 2026 is changing that.

Candidates have already started to file to run and for re-election all across Kentucky. Locally, seats like judge executives, jailers, sheriffs, magistrates and other seats are now up for election.

Candidates have until Jan. 9 to file for election in the respective counties. But while this coming election cycle may not bring the same national attention as 2024, these local elections are just as important.

“I won’t say you have more of a voice, but I do feel like sometimes my voice may not always been heard at the national level, but at the local level you can really influence a race. So you know and research your candidates, know what they stand for, know what their platform is, that that’s the biggest thing, being informed voter. And make sure that you know who you’re voting for and what you’re voting for,” said Warren County clerk Lynette Yates.

There are some important dates to keep in mind. If you wish to change your party affiliation, you must do that by the end of the year, and the first votes will be cast during the primary election this year on May 19.