Lexington Voters to Head to Polls November 3
Residents will cast ballots for Senate, House, mayoral races, and local charter amendments.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed charter amendments regarding Lexington council transparency and salary?
Lexington voters will participate in the general election on November 3, 2026. Polls will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at designated precincts and six Lexington Public Library branches.
Why it matters
The election includes key federal races for the U.S. Senate and the 6th Congressional District, alongside local decisions that will shape city governance. Voters will also determine the future of Urban County Council pay and accountability measures.
The ballot features a proposal to raise the annual Urban County Council salary to $60,000 from the current $43,000. Additionally, voters will consider mandatory charter reviews every 8 years and requirements for public attendance disclosure.
The players
Andy Barr
He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming general election.
Linda Gorton
She is a candidate for mayor of Lexington.
Mitch McConnell
The current U.S. Senator will vacate his seat following the election.
The details
Candidates for U.S. Senate include Andy Barr, Charles Booker, Christopher Campbell, and Thomas Murphy, while the 6th Congressional District race features Ralph Alvarado, Zach Dembo, Pete Lynch, Jay J. Bowman, and Robert Quigley. Mayoral candidates Linda Gorton and Raquel E. Carter are also on the ballot, and voters must present a driver's license or qualifying ID to cast their vote.
Timeline
Election Day is November 3, 2026.
Polls operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
The 6th Congressional District representative's term ends January 3, 2027.
Political Context
The proposed amendments represent a direct attempt to modify the governing framework established by the Lexington Urban County Charter. Opponents of the salary increase or mandatory review intervals may cite the potential for increased administrative costs or legislative friction.
Voters must bring a driver's license or qualifying ID to their local precinct or participating library branch to ensure their vote is counted. Residents should be prepared for potential ballot questions regarding local tax-funded salary adjustments for council members.
The takeaway
Voters should review the list of candidates and proposed charter amendments prior to arriving at the polls on November 3. Being prepared with required identification will help ensure a smooth and efficient voting process for all residents.
Further reading
For more background on the upcoming races, visit the Lexington elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kentucky Kernel.
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed charter amendments regarding Lexington council transparency and salary?
