Lexington's Nov. 3rd Election Guide: Everything local voters need to know

Lexington voters will have a lot of choices to make when they go to the polls for the November 3rd General Election.

While there are high-profile races for U.S. Senate and Kentucky's 6th District Congressional seat, many local offices are also on the ballot this year. Lexington's Mayor and all 15 Urban County Council seats are up for election, along with two school board seats, many county offices and two judges.

Many of these offices make decisions that directly shape daily life for Fayette County residents, from public safety issues to affordable housing and beyond.

To help you make a plan, we've got key information about how and where you can vote and a run through your ballot. You can also find more information, including candidate bios and questionnaire responses, on Vote Local Lexington.

What's on your local ballot this year?

Voters will find several local offices on their ballots for the November 3rd General Election. Unlike other races on your ballot, Lexington's Mayor and Council races are non-partisan, meaning you won't see a candidate's political party.

Some of the most important local offices on your ballot this year include:

• Mayor: Lexington's chief executive, responsible for administering city government and proposing the city budget. Incumbent Linda Gorton is running against challenger Raquel Carter. Learn more here.
• Council at-large: At-large members represent Lexington as a whole. Six candidates are running for three seats this year. Lexington's current Vice Mayor Dan Wu and At-Large Councilmember James Brown are among those candidates. The candidate who receives the most votes in this race will become Vice Mayor.
• Council districts: The 12 Council district seats represent areas of Fayette County on the Urban County Council, Lexington's legislative branch. You can vote only in the district where you live. Six district candidates are running unopposed this year, while contested races in districts 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11 will be decided in November. You can find your Council district at this link.
• School board: The Fayette County Board of Education sets policies, approves the district budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. Current board members Tyler Murphy and Amanda Ferguson are seeking reelection against challengers. Find your school board district here.

Several county offices, such as constable and county commissioner, will also be on the ballot. These are partisan races, meaning you'll see political parties on your ballot.

You'll also be asked to decide on several ballot questions. There are three proposed amendments to the city's Charter – essentially Lexington's Constitution – covering Council pay, accountability requirements and regular Charter review.

Where and when to vote

Registered voters may cast their ballot in-person on November 3rd at their polling place or at any of the six Lexington Public Library branches.

Voting on Election Day is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters must be in line by 6 p.m. to vote. Remember to bring an acceptable photo ID.

Some other key points to know include:

• You must register to vote by October 5th.
• Early in-person voting dates: So long as you aren't voting by mail, you can vote October 29-31st from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at any of the Lexington Public Library's branches. 
• For voting by mail, request your ballot by October 20th. The state's request portal opens September 19th. All ballots must reach the Fayette County Clerk's office by 6 p.m. on November 3rd to be counted. Request your mail-in ballot here.
• Voting absentee: Registered voters who haven't requested a mail-in ballot may also cast an in-person absentee ballot if they have a qualifying excuse. In-person absentee voting will take place at the Fayette County Clerk's Office, located at 162 East Main Street, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between October 21st-23rd and the 26th-28th.

Remember, you have rights as a voter. If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one. If you have any questions or problems on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-868.