This election, Kentucky citizens have two ways to escape the polls on election day. First, they can go to the polls to vote early. They may also use absentee voting (also known as mail-in voting), and all absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd before the polls close.
To avoid postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.
If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.
In Person: October 5, 2020
By Mail: Postmarked October 5, 2020
Online: October 5, 2020
Request in Person due October 27th, 2020
Request by Mail due October 27th, 2020
Request Online due October 9th, 2020
*must be received by these dates, must be mailed in advance
Ballots must be received by your county's clerk before polls close on election day, November 3rd, 2020.
We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.
Yes, however Kentucky considers the COVID-19 pandemic to be a valid excuse for this election. You must select "Person who due to age, disability or illness will be unable to go to the polls on election day, (or concern about contracting or spreading COVID-19)."
Other excuses include:
Student who temporarily resides outside the county in which he is registered.
Voter who temporarily resides outside the state but who is still eligible to vote in the state.
Person who is incarcerated and has been charged with a crime but has yet to be convicted.
Person whose employment location requires him to be absent from the county all hours and all days absentee voting by machine is conducted.
Military personnel confined to a military base on election day.
Person who is participant in the Office of the Secretary of State's address confidentiality program.
NOTE: If you receive your absentee ballot by October 28th, you may not vote in-person.
No.
To your county's clerk before polls close on Election Day.
Possibly. Any person assisting another in voting by use of absentee ballot shall complete a voter assistance form. Contact your county clerk for more information.
October 13, 2020 to November 2, 2020.
Every work day between October 13, 2020 and November 3, 2020.
Every Saturday for at least four hours.
Every county clerk will provide a location for safe in-person voting
Non-Photo ID; Non-Strict
Kentuckians unable to get a driver’s licenses or photo ID due to the pandemic because their clerk’s office was closed, or because they were afraid of exposing themselves to COVID-19, can sign a document explaining this concern and cast their ballot.
Each voter must present ID bearing the voter’s name and photograph, and issued by:
● The United States or Commonwealth of Kentucky;
● The U.S. Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, Merchant Marines, or Kentucky National Guard;
● A student ID issued by an institution of higher education in the United States; or
● A municipality located in Kentucky.
Voters who do not have one of these forms of ID can sign an affirmation and present one of the following forms of ID:
● Social Security card;
● A card issued by a Kentucky county bearing the voter’s name and approved by the State Board of Elections;
● Any identification card bearing the voter’s name and photograph;
● A food stamp identification card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky and bearing the voter’s name; or
● A credit card or debit card bearing the voter’s name.
No.
6am - 6pm
If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!
Non-Photo ID; Non-Strict
Kentuckians unable to get a driver’s licenses or photo ID due to the pandemic because their clerk’s office was closed, or because they were afraid of exposing themselves to COVID-19, can sign a document explaining this concern and cast their ballot.
Each voter must present ID bearing the voter’s name and photograph, and issued by:
● The United States or Commonwealth of Kentucky;
● The U.S. Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, Merchant Marines, or Kentucky National Guard;
● A student ID issued by an institution of higher education in the United States; or
● A municipality located in Kentucky.
Voters who do not have one of these forms of ID can sign an affirmation and present one of the following forms of ID:
● Social Security card;
● A card issued by a Kentucky county bearing the voter’s name and approved by the State Board of Elections;
● Any identification card bearing the voter’s name and photograph;
● A food stamp identification card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky and bearing the voter’s name; or
● A credit card or debit card bearing the voter’s name.