Erlanger, Kentucky Public Records

State law requires registration at least 29 days before an election. Voters must provide their Kentucky driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering. First-time voters may need to show photo identification at the polls. As a home rule-class city, Erlanger operates with an elected municipal government including a mayor and city council. Municipal elections take place in even-numbered years, typically in November alongside state and federal contests. The next municipal elections are scheduled for November 2026, when voters will elect the mayor and city council members. Candidate filing information, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and local ballot measures specific to the city are available through the Kenton County Clerk's Election Division and posted at City Hall. Residents can find their specific polling place using the locator at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic or by contacting the Kenton County Clerk. Polling locations are assigned based on precinct and residential address, and voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct on Election Day. Kentucky public records law makes certain election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by political parties, candidates, and media organizations through formal request to the Kenton County Clerk, though individual voter information is protected from commercial use. Campaign finance reports for candidates seeking local and state office are filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance and searchable online at https://kref.ky.gov. Candidate declarations and filings are public records maintained by the Kenton County Clerk. Precinct-level election results are published after certification and appear on the Clerk's website and through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at https://elect.ky.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Kenton County reported voter turnout of approximately 65-70% of registered voters, with over 100,000 ballots cast countywide, reflecting strong engagement in Northern Kentucky. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Erlanger and Kenton County voters will decide several significant races. At the federal level, one of Kentucky's U.S. Senate seats may be on the ballot depending on the election cycle (Kentucky's Senate seats are up in 2026 with Senator Mitch McConnell's seat). State legislative races for the Kentucky House of Representatives and Kentucky State Senate will be decided, with local voters participating in their respective districts. Kenton County offices potentially on the ballot in 2026 include County Judge/Executive, Sheriff, County Clerk, Jailer, Coroner, and Property Valuation Administrator, depending on the specific election cycle. City of Erlanger municipal races including Mayor and City Council will be decided in November 2026. Voters should verify which specific districts and races apply to their address through the Kenton County Clerk. Kentucky does not have citizen initiative or referendum processes at the state level, but local ballot questions may appear for bonding, taxation, or other municipal matters. Kentucky offers several options for absentee and mail-in voting. Excuse absentee voting is available for voters who will be absent from the county on Election Day, are ill or disabled, are students outside the county, are election officers working in another precinct, or are incarcerated but eligible to vote. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Kenton County Clerk by the deadline (typically the Tuesday before the election for mail ballots, or in person until the day before the election). Military and overseas voters have special provisions under federal UOCAVA law. The state also offers early in-person voting (called "Excuse Absentee In-Person Voting") in the Kenton County Clerk's office and at designated early voting locations starting several days before Election Day. No-excuse absentee voting was temporarily expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but has reverted to excuse-required status under current Kentucky law. Voters should check the Kenton County Clerk's website or contact the office at (859) 392-1600 for specific deadlines, early voting locations, and absentee ballot request procedures for the 2026 election.