The state’s new online voter registration portal debuted more than two weeks ago, but Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is touring the commonwealth to raise awareness. She made a stop in Lexington Tuesday.
The introduction of GoVoteKY.com doesn’t mean the entire registration process has gone paperless, but it simplifies the first step. With the new system developed in partnership with Microsoft, voters can enter their name, Social Security Number, and birth date online – along with preferred party and other information – and receive a hard copy confirmation from their county clerk in the mail.
Grimes also reminds users to double-check their status.
"Many people incorrectly believe they're registered or... incorrectly believe they're registered as something that they're not. So we want every eligible voter and, even if you're already registered, going on to check your registration or register for the first time," she said.
Roughly a third of eligible Kentucky voters are not registered and the hope is GoVoteKY.com will make it that much easier to sign up. So far about 14,000 Kentuckians have taken advantage of the site.
Voters need to register by April 18 to cast a ballot in the May 17 primaries.
Clarification (4:25 PM): Microsoft did not help craft the GoVoteKY system, but is aiding in the effort to increase awareness and access. The online portal was designed completely in house with the office's own IT staff and talent.
