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

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