A general election was held in the U.S. state of Kentucky on November 3, 1981. The primary election for all offices was held on May 26, 1981.

State offices

Kentucky Senate

The Kentucky Senate consists of 38 members. In 1981, half of the chamber (all even-numbered districts) was up for election.[1] Democrats maintained their majority, without gaining or losing any seats. In 1981, senators were elected to five-year terms in order to move future elections to even-numbered years.

Kentucky House of Representatives

All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives were up for election in 1981.[1] Democrats maintained their majority, gaining one seat. In 1981, representatives were elected to three-year terms in order to move future elections to even-numbered years.

Judicial elections

All judges of the Kentucky District Courts were elected in non-partisan elections to four-year terms.[1]

Commonwealth’s Attorneys

Commonwealth's Attorneys, who serve as the prosecutors for felonies in the state, are elected to six-year terms.[1] One attorney is elected for each of the 57 circuits of the Kentucky Circuit Courts.

Circuit Clerks

Each county elected a Circuit Court Clerk to a six-year term.[1]

Local offices

County officers

All county officials were elected in partisan elections to four-year terms. The offices include the County Judge/Executive, the Fiscal Court (Magistrates and/or Commissioners), County Clerk, County Attorney, Jailer, Coroner, Surveyor, Property Value Administrator, Constables, and Sheriff.[1]

Mayors

Mayors in Kentucky are elected to four-year terms. Prior to 1992, cities held their elections in odd-numbered years, in either the year preceding or following a presidential election.[1]

City councils

Each incorporated city elected its council members to a two-year term.[1]

Ballot measures

Amendment 1

Text

  Yes
  •   50–60%
Amendment 1[2]
ChoiceVotes%
For213,98835.94
Against381,36264.06
Total595,350100.00