Prospective candidates for the office of circuit clerk must register for the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk 2018 Election Qualifying Exam from now through November 8, 2017. Registration opened on Monday of this week. The exam will take place on December 1 at Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. This is the only date and location for the exam.

The elected office of circuit court clerk will be on the ballot for all Kentucky counties in 2018. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 1.060, anyone who wants to run for the office must score at least 70 percent on the exam. County clerks will be notified of applicants who are eligible to seek the office of circuit court clerk.

More information, including the registration form and study materials, is available at www.courts.ky.gov/clerkexam. Questions regarding the exam should be directed to the Administrative Office of the Courts at circuitclerksexam@kycourts.net or 502-573-2350, extension 50792.

Circuit court clerks play an important role within the state court system. Circuit clerks are responsible for managing the records of Circuit Court and District Court, Kentucky’s trial courts. Circuit clerks file lawsuits and court documents, record legal forms, provide legal documents and other legal materials, are present during trials, schedule juries, receive and disburse money, maintain the jury system, administer oaths, handle affidavits, and issue driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards. One circuit clerk is elected in each Kentucky county. They serve a term of six years.

Filing for the 2016 May primary election begins in November and a more detailed preview of the upcoming election will be published in a later issue.