Kentuckians urged to register on National Voter Registration Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Today is National Voter Registration Day. Across the state and county, events are planned to get people ready to participate in the upcoming election cycle.

National Voter Registration Day is the largest non-partisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating democracy and ensuring that every eligible voter has the right to vote.

Each year, millions of Americans are unable to vote because they missed registration deadlines, didn’t update their registration, or didn’t know how to register.

As a result of the holiday’s launch in 2012, over 6 million Americans have been registered to vote in time for their next trip to the polls.

“It’s great for folks who may have moved or changed their names, as many reasons why you may need to not only check your registration to make sure that you’re still on the rolls, but also to update,” said Chyann Sapp, the campaign director for National Voter Registration Day at nonprofit Vote.

Several community partners across the county are set up at booths at various locations to help educate people about their rights, create an awareness of the importance of voting, and help create access for marginalized communities.

Sapp said days like today are the perfect opportunity to help make your voices heard.

“By supporting National Voter Registration Day, you affirm your commitment to civic participation and local leadership. It’s also a way to bring confidence to your community and show that you are participating in trusted voice, and it’s a year-round responsibility. Democracy is all year, every year, but National Voter Registration Day is like just a special day to celebrate and show people that it’s important to not only stay registered but also stay informed and show up to make sure that we keep our government accountable,” Sapp said.

Sapp said in 2024, they surpassed their goal of getting more than 820,000 voters to register or update their registration. Since this year isn’t a big election year, this year’s goal is in the range of 200 to 300,0000 voters.

Sapp said National Voter Registration Day is a special day to celebrate, and their community partners are one way to ensure that.

“The best part is, it’s an entirely nonpartisan event. It’s powered by thousands of local organizations who our community partners from across the country, which includes nonprofits, schools, libraries, local government and businesses and we like to think that it’s a day of civic unity where, it’s an opportunity to set aside differences, enjoy the rights and responsibilities and opportunities that we all share as Americans to celebrate our democracy together,” said Sapp. “We actually have about 3,200 partners signed up for this year, which includes 40 organizations in Kentucky across the state. We also have the support of Secretary of State Michael Adams, who is a co-chair for our steering committee.”

If you would like to become a partner or want to learn more about National Voter Registration Day, click here.