Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that, in July, 8,598 new Kentucky voters registered, with Kentuckians outside the two major political parties once again showing their interest in November’s election.

“In July, more Independents registered to vote in Kentucky than Republicans and Democrats combined,” Adams said. “Neither party can prevail in a statewide race with only its base; both must reach out to the center.”

In July, net registration rose by 4,981, with 3,617 voters removed: 2,650 who were deceased, 401 felony convicts, 275 duplicate registrations, 213 who moved out of state, 60 adjudged mentally incompetent, 12 who voluntarily de-registered and 6 identified as noncitizens.

Republican registration constitutes 48 percent of the electorate, with 1,622,656 voters. Republican registration grew by 2,483 voters, a .15 percent increase. Democratic registration accounts for 41 percent of the electorate, with 1,370,754 voters. Democratic registration fell by 32 voters, a .002 percent decrease. There are 383,889 voters registered under other political affiliations (mostly Independent), making up 11 percent of the electorate. “Other” registration grew by 2,530 voters, a .66 percent increase.