Carter Countians are being encouraged to make their voices heard as the 2026 Kentucky Primary Election approaches later this month. Early voting will be available May 14th through the 16th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM each day. East end residents can vote early at the Carter County Courthouse in Grayson, while west end residents can cast ballots early at the Olive Hill Post Office.
Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 19th, with polls open from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM local time across Carter County.
Several races will appear on this year’s primary ballot, including contests for United States Senate, United States Representative, magistrate seats, and constable positions, along with other local and state offices. Community members are encouraged to review their sample ballots ahead of time and verify their polling locations before heading out to vote.
Local election officials remind residents that every election plays an important role in shaping the future of our communities, and voter participation remains one of the most important ways citizens can stay involved in the democratic process.
For additional information about voting locations, precincts, or election procedures, residents can contact the Carter County Clerk’s Office.
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Graduation plans are now in place for Carter County seniors as the school year begins to wind down.
The Carter County Board of Education has officially announced the 2025–2026 graduation schedule for both high schools in the district.
Seniors at East Carter High School will hold their graduation ceremony on Friday, May twenty-second at 7:00 p.m., while students at West Carter High School will graduate the following morning on Saturday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m.
School officials say the ceremonies are once again scheduled during Memorial Day weekend, a decision that was made after hearing from families across the district. Many expressed that the holiday weekend provides a convenient time for gatherings, celebrations, and for out-of-town relatives to attend.
The last day of school is currently set for May 29th, though officials note that date remains tentative.
Looking ahead, the district says it plans to gather additional feedback from families and the community. A survey will be sent out following this year’s ceremonies to help determine preferences for future graduation scheduling.
School leaders say the goal is to continue making graduation as accessible and meaningful as possible for students and their families, while also taking community input into account.
As always, more information will be shared with students and parents as graduation season approaches.
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The ladies of the Carter County Senior Center in Grayson will once again be opening their doors today between 9:30 until 11:30 am for anyone who wants to stop by, browse, and maybe even pick up a special item or two.
The best part? Every penny raised goes straight to the seniors’ activity fund. That fund helps cover everything from coffee and treats to bingo prizes and special outings, making sure the seniors at the Center have plenty of opportunities to socialize, stay active, and enjoy life.
So, swing by the Carter County Senior Center this Thursday or Friday morning. Whether you’re looking for bargains, a friendly chat, or just want to support our local seniors, there’s something for everyone. Come see what the ladies have in store and help make a difference in our community.
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Today marks the final opportunity this week for residents in Eastern Carter County to take advantage of the county-wide clean-up campaign, as dumpsters will be available at the Carter County Maintenance Garage in Grayson until 2:30 p.m. The Solid Waste Department reminds all participants that dumpster access has now returned to its regular three-day weekly schedule and urges the public to follow the updated disposal guidelines.
A number of items will not be accepted, including refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, and batteries. In addition, all items must be either bagged or boxed — loose trash will not be collected.
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign operates on a rotating schedule, providing disposal opportunities for both the eastern and western ends of the county. After today’s event, dumpsters will return to the maintenance garage on US 60 from May 20th through the 22nd.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. Let’s all do our part to keep Carter County looking its best.