Voter Education Glossary
Understanding Louisville Metro Government & Policy
This comprehensive glossary explains 375 terms related to Louisville Metro government, policy, and civic engagement. Each term includes Louisville-specific context and explains why it matters to you as a voter.
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Veto
The mayor’s power to reject an ordinance passed by Metro Council. Council can override a veto with a supermajority vote.
Read Full Definition → Veto Power
The mayor’s authority to reject legislation passed by Metro Council. The mayor has 10 days to veto an ordinance after […]
Read Full Definition → Violence Interrupters
Trained community members – often with lived experience of violence or incarceration – who mediate conflicts, interrupt retaliation cycles, and […]
Read Full Definition → Violence Prevention Programs
Comprehensive approach including street outreach, conflict mediation, trauma support, and community engagement. Addresses root causes of violence through trusted community […]
Read Full Definition → Vision Care Access
Ability to obtain eye examinations, prescription glasses, and treatment for eye conditions. Vision care is often separate from medical insurance […]
Read Full Definition → Vision Zero
Traffic safety philosophy that traffic deaths are preventable, not inevitable, and commits to eliminating all traffic fatalities through street design, […]
Read Full Definition → Vote by Mail
An election system where all voters automatically receive ballots by mail without needing an excuse. Kentucky does NOT have vote-by-mail; […]
Read Full Definition → Voter ID Laws
Requirements that voters show identification before casting a ballot. Kentucky requires photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.) or […]
Read Full Definition → Voter Registration
The process of officially signing up to vote by providing your name, address, and eligibility information to election officials. In […]
Read Full Definition → Voter Suppression
Tactics or policies that make it harder for eligible citizens to register or vote, often disproportionately affecting minority, low-income, elderly, […]
Read Full Definition → Voter Turnout
The percentage of registered voters who actually cast ballots in an election. Louisville typically sees 15-25% turnout in mayoral primaries […]
Read Full Definition →