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Voter turnout in Kentucky

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The voter turnout rate is a mathematical expression that indicates how many eligible voters participated in an election. A variety of factors can factor into calculations of voter turnout. For the purposes of this article, voter turnout rates are expressed as either:

  1. Total ballots counted (preferred): This rate reflects the total number of ballots counted in a jurisdiction divided by the total number of eligible voters in that jurisdiction. Ballotpedia uses this as its default expression unless the jurisdiction does not report total ballots counted.
  2. Total ballots counted for highest office (alternative): This rate reflects the total number of ballots counted for the highest office in a jurisdiction divided by the total number of eligible voters in that jurisdiction. In presidential election years, the presidency is the highest office on the ballot in every state. In non-presidential election years, the highest office on the ballot varies from state to state. Ballotpedia uses this expression if the jurisdiction does not report total ballots counted.
  • The overall turnout rate of eligible voters in Kentucky in the 2024 presidential general election was 62.2%. The national average for the same year was 64.1%.[1]
  • The overall turnout rate of eligible voters in Kentucky in the 2022 midterm general election was 44.8%. The national average for the same year was 46.2%.[2]
  • From 2002 to 2024, the average voter turnout rate of eligible voters in Kentucky was 52.1%. The national average voter turnout rate of eligible voters for this same period was 52.4%.
  • The main source for these data is the United States Elections Project. Click here for more details.

    On this page you will find:

    Historical voter turnout rates

    See also: Voter turnout in United States elections


    The table below presents Kentucky voter turnout rates for each federal election year from 2002 to 2024. The rate for 2002 is for highest office.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

    Voter turnout rates in Kentucky, 2002-2024 (expressed as a percentage of eligible voters)
    Year Total ballots counted
    2024 62.2%
    2022 44.8%
    2020 64.8%
    2018 48.7%
    2016 59.6%
    2014 44.9%
    2012 56.2%
    2010 44.3%
    2008 59.0%
    2006 44.2%
    2004 59.4%
    2002 37.2%

    Turnout by method of voting

    The section below displays the percentage of voters in Kentucky who voted in-person on election day or by mail in 2020 and 2022.[15][16]

    Voter turnout by method of voting, 2020-2022
    Year Voted in-person on election day Voted by mail
    2022 76.7% 4.8%
    2020 22.2% 29.4%


    See also

    Election coverage by office

    Click the tiles below to navigate to 2024 election coverage:


    Additional reading

    Footnotes

    1. University of Florida Election Lab, "2024 General Election Turnout," accessed June 18, 2025
    2. United States Elections Project, "2022 General Election," accessed June 18, 2025
    3. United States Election Project, "2022 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    4. United States Election Project, "2020 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    5. United States Elections Project, "2018 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    6. United States Elections Project, "2016 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    7. United States Elections Project, "2014 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed October 5, 2017
    8. United States Elections Project, "2012 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed October 5, 2017
    9. United States Elections Project, "2010 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed October 5, 2017
    10. United States Elections Project, "2008 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed October 5, 2017
    11. United States Elections Project, "2006 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed October 5, 2017
    12. United States Elections Project, "2004 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    13. United States Elections Project, "2002 November General Election Turnout Rates," accessed April 24, 2023
    14. University of Florida Election Lab, "2024 General Election Turnout," accessed November 22, 2024
    15. EAC, "Election Administration and Voting Survey 2022 Comprehensive Report," accessed July 25, 2023
    16. EAC, "Election Administration and Voting Survey 2020 Comprehensive Report," accessed July 10, 2025