As the 2010 election looms in the near future and campaign signs already dot the local landscape, Kentucky voters have a limited time to change party affiliations to go into effect before May's primary.

Voters who are already registered in Kentucky have until Dec. 31 to change their political affiliation, according to a release from office of Secretary of State Trey Grayson. The deadline also affects candidates who wish to switch political party affiliation and run in their new party's primary election, or those seeking ballot access as an independent, the release said.

"Time is running out for citizen's to change their party registration," said Grayson, Kentucky's chief election officer. "We want to make sure that every citizen has the chance to vote in the primary election of his or her choosing."

Voters who wish to make the change and miss the deadline will still be able to change their registration, however, they will not be able to vote in their new party's primary election scheduled for May 18. Those voters would be eligible to vote in special elections and nonpartisan races.

Races that will appear on Kentucky's 2010 primary ballot include but are not limited to United States Senator, United States Representative, State Senator (even districts), Justice of the Supreme Court, district judge, county judge-executive, county attorney, county clerk, property valuation administrator, sheriff, jailer, county commissioner, coroner, magistrate/justice of the peace, constable, surveyor, mayor, city legislative body, board of education (school board), and soil and water conservation district supervisors.

Those who wish to change their party can complete a voter registration card and submit it to the county clerk in their county of residence by the deadline.

Voter registration cards are available at county clerks' offices or online at www.vote.ky.gov/register.

Registration cards that are mailed must be postmarked by Dec. 31.

Due to the holiday season, some county clerk offices will be closed or will close early on Thursday, Dec. 31.

County clerk offices in Bracken. Robertson and Lewis counties will be open regular hours Thursday, closing at 4 p.m. Mason County will be open but will close early at noon. Fleming County will be closed Thursday.

All the offices will be closed Friday, Jan. 1, for the holiday. Some will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Contact Melinda Charles at melinda.charles@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 274.

For more area news, visit www.maysville-online.com.