Secretary of State
Citizens Face Upcoming Deadlines for Additional Special Election

(Frankfort, KY) – If citizens want to cast their ballot in either of the upcoming special elections in Jefferson County, they must register to vote before the close of business on Tuesday, January 17, 2006.  On January 4th, Kentucky Senate President David Williams issued a writ of election for the 37^th State Senatorial District that declared the election for February 14, 2006.  One of the declared candidates for that election resigned his seat in the State House of Representatives, and on January 9, 2006, Kentucky Speaker of the House, Jody Richards, issued a writ of election for the 37^th State House District.  He also chose February 14, 2006 as the election date.

The Jefferson County Clerk’s office will accept voter registration cards until the close of business on January 17^th and will accept cards postmarked by the deadline.  The 37^th State Senatorial District and 37^th State House District lie entirely within Jefferson County. The registration deadline would typically be on Monday January 16, 2006, but state law provides this date can move forward due to it falling on a state holiday.

“It is important for citizens to take note that there are two separate elections on February 14, 2006,” Secretary of State Trey Grayson stated referring to the confusion that might be caused by both the House and Senate districts being the 37^th District.  “I encourage citizens to determine whether they live in one of these districts and to register to vote by the deadline, if they have not already done so.”

Citizens will need to be 18 years of age by February 14, 2006 in order to vote in the upcoming special elections.  However, voters who will be 18 by the general election may vote in the May 16, 2006 primary election.  All voters who live in the respective districts, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote in that district’s special election.

Potential candidates who wish to run in the special election also face upcoming deadlines.  While the Democratic and Republican parties have the opportunity to file a certificate of nomination with the Office of the Secretary of State placing a candidate on the ballot, candidates not belonging to those parties may file independent petitions to the Office of the Secretary of State by no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 17, 2006.  The petition requires 100 signatures from voters that live within the respective district.  All candidates, regardless of political affiliation, must include a $200 filing fee with their petition or certificate of nomination.

            To determine whether a citizen is registered to vote and whether he or she lives within one of the districts with a special election, visit the Voter Information Center online at www.sos.ky.gov/elections.  Citizens may also download a voter registration card at www.sos.ky.gov/register.

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