LOUISVILLE, KY. (AP) -- Five participants in a program that seeks to put more Democratic women into office will appear on ballots across the state this year.

They are graduates of Emerge Kentucky, a program started by a group of Democratic women who are trying to increase the number of women involved in Kentucky politics.

Over the past three years, 46 women have graduated from the program and 20 others are expected to complete the program in a few weeks.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/J84z2D) reports the women are running for legislative office this year include state Rep. Rita Smart of Richmond, who is seeking a second term; Wanda Crupper Hammons and Kelly Whitaker.

Attica Scott is running for Louisville Metro Council and Loretta Crady is seeking another term as Hardin Circuit Court Clerk.