Clerk Updates Voter Registration Audit, Election Integrity Review

Published on July 23, 2026

Clerk David Yates at a podium speaking to the media.

Jefferson County Clerk David Yates provided an update on the ongoing review of voter registration records and precinct assignments being conducted in coordination with the Kentucky State Board of Elections.

The State Board of Elections has conducted a review within Kentucky's statewide Voter Registration System (VRS), a process that temporarily limits Jefferson County's ability to make certain system changes while the audit is underway.

"This type of review is performed as a way to assist County Clerks in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of Kentucky's voter registration database," said Clerk Yates. "Jefferson County has worked closely with the State Board of Elections throughout this process while simultaneously conducting our own comprehensive internal review to ensure voters are assigned to the correct precincts."

The State Board of Elections reported an overall accuracy rate of 99.595% for Jefferson County voter assignment data. The audit focused on determining whether registered voters were assigned to the correct voting precincts based on their residential addresses.

The State's review identified approximately 2,186 voter records requiring additional examination, representing roughly 0.405% of records reviewed. According to election officials, these records primarily involve address-specific circumstances such as:

  • Addresses that could not be geocoded

  • Incomplete or insufficient address information

  • Residences located on county or precinct boundary lines

  • Records showing a potential move to another Kentucky county

  • Records needing review for precinct updates

Each record is being individually reviewed and corrected where necessary.

Importantly, no concentrated geographic areas or neighborhoods have been identified as disproportionately affected. Election officials report that the records requiring further review appear to involve isolated address-specific situations rather than systemic issues within any precinct or community.

Comprehensive Internal Review

In conjunction with the State's effort, Jefferson County assembled a cross-functional election audit team that expanded from approximately eight employees to sixteen as the review progressed. Team members represented multiple operational areas, including Elections Administration, Mapping & Statistics, Candidate Filing & Absentee Voting, Election Technicians, Election Officer Administration, Election Equipment, Customer Service, Logistics & Security, and Election Management.

The County's internal audit included:

  • Reviewing every precinct using the Legislative Index

  • Comparing precinct boundaries within LOJIC and the County Clerk's Web Mapping Application

  • Identifying precinct boundary lines that pass through residential structures

  • Verifying street-range assignments within the Voter Registration System

  • Reviewing VRS precinct and error reports to identify voter records requiring additional review

Many of the records identified by the State had already been flagged during Jefferson County's internal review process.

Independent Third-Party Review Planned

Following completion of both the State review and the County's internal audit, Jefferson County plans to engage an independent third party to conduct an additional review.

"Our goal is complete confidence in the accuracy of voter assignments," Yates said. "Multiple levels of review provide added quality assurance and help reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the voter registration system."

Jefferson County is currently finalizing a Request for Proposals (RFP) and scope of work for the independent review. The RFP is expected to be issued through Louisville Metro's Bonfire procurement platform in early August 2026 to ensure an open, competitive, and transparent procurement process.

Jefferson County is currently finalizing a Request for Proposals (RFP) and scope of work for the independent review. The RFP is expected to be issued through Louisville Metro's Bonfire procurement platform in early August 2026 to ensure an open, competitive, and transparent procurement process.

The anticipated timeline includes:

  • Early August 2026: RFP released through Bonfire

  • August-September 2026: Proposal evaluation period

  • Late September to Early October 2026: Vendor selection

County officials emphasized that the timeline has not changed and was designed to allow completion of both the State review and Jefferson County's internal audit before the independent validation phase begins.

Commitment to Election Integrity

While some records under review may date back more than ten years, election officials noted that the audit was designed to identify records requiring verification rather than determine when an address may have first become inaccurate. Many exceptions involve address changes, mapping updates, or situations requiring additional verification.

Jefferson County will continue working with the Kentucky State Board of Elections to review and resolve all identified records and remains committed to maintaining the accuracy, security, and integrity of the voter registration system.

 

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