David Yates is from South Louisville, Kentucky. He has a bachelor 27s degree in political science from the University of Louisville and a law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. He lives in South Louisville with his wife, Lindsey, and their daughters, Ava and Grace.

David Yates - Ballotpedia

DAVID YATES County Clerk & Chair, Board of Elections

David Yates lives in South Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his bachelor's degree on political science from the University of Louisville and his law degree from the North Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase School of Law. He lives with his wife, Lindsey, and their two children. 

David is an attorney and public servant. He has managed his own law practice for nearly 15 years, focusing on personal injury law. He previously served as an assistant attorney general for Kentucky and as an attorney for the United Auto Workers (UAW). David began his legal career as a law clerk for United States District Judge William Bertelsman and later worked at the Commonwealth Attorney's office. 

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David currently works as an attorney at David Yates Attorney PLLC. He previously worked as an attorney with the United Auto Workers (UAW) Legal Services and as the assistant attorney general with the Kentucky Attorney General's Office. 

David is currently the Jefferson County Clerk. He was appointed to the position in October 2025. Before that, he served as a member of the Kentucky State Senate from 2021 to 2025 and as a member of the Louisville Metro Council from 2010 to 2020.

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David currently serves as the county clerk in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He was first appointed in 2025 and is running for his first term. He previously served as a member of the Louisville Metro Council, where he served two full terms from 2011 to 2021, and as a member of the Kentucky State Senate, where he served one term from 2021 to 2025. 

Believes that professionalism is important in election administration.

Supports "clear communication, voter education, and transparency around election processes and results."

- Believes that professionalism is important in election administration.
- Supports "clear communication, voter education, and transparency around election processes and results."

Administration

Promises to protect local control of elections.

Advocates for "fair, secure, and transparent election administration."

Supports expanding "lawful access to the ballot."

Opposes political interference in elections.

- Promises to protect local control of elections.
- Advocates for "fair, secure, and transparent election administration."
- Supports expanding "lawful access to the ballot."
- Opposes political interference in elections.

Election Oversight

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David Yates

Plans to improve digital record access, simplify voter registration, and enhance customer service to create an "accessible and user-friendly clerk's office."

Prioritizes community engagement and inclusivity.

Plans to partner with local organizations and residents to address issues like voter education, accessibility, and government transparency.

Supports strengthening digital safeguards to address past cybersecurity challenges and election equipment failures.

Said, "Every eligible voter will have access to cast a ballot, and every legal vote will be counted."

- The county clerk manages voter registration and removals, oversees the county board of elections, and resolves election day questions on voter registration, ID proofs, and absentee ballot signatures.
- The county clerk maintains ballots, voting equipment, and drop-boxes for absentee ballots. 
- The county clerk administers licenses, prepares tax bills, and archives legal and county records.
- This position has a maximum salary based on county size. The current maximum annual salary ranges from approximately $85,000 to $154,400. 