One of the less understood elected offices on local ballots is that of justice of the peace. The Kentucky Constitution provides very little clarity on their role and duty, stating in Section 142 that they “shall be conservators of the peace”. As elected officials, however, they serve at the pleasure of their constituents, and understanding the role and its requirements can help those constituents make a more informed selection. Justices of the peace are lower court officials

When Owensboro voters go to the polls in May, they will see candidates for city commission listed in a section designated as a nonpartisan ballot. Owensboro is one of the majority of cities in Kentucky--and nationwide--to select city council and mayor candidates through nonpartisan elections, reflecting an understanding of these offices as channels to deliver municipal services to local residents instead of as tools for advancing an ideological agenda. All but six of Kentucky

In Kentucky, like in most of the country, the sheriff is an elected official who serves as the chief law enforcement officer in a county, as opposed to the chief of police, who is typically appointed by a board or mayor to lead a municipal police department. Sheriffs' offices work to enforce and investigate violations of state laws, similar to police departments, but also have other duties, such as protecting court officers and proceedings, collecting taxes, and assisting oth

When participating in local elections, understanding the different roles of city and county governments can help voters make educated decisions about which candidates they believe are best qualified. On May 19, 2026, Kentucky will hold primary elections to determine who will appear on the official ballots in November, and Daviess County residents will see different offices on their primary ballots depending on whether they live within the Owensboro city limits. While some off