The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in Kentucky to make a plan to vote that works for you!
Kentucky Board of Elections Phone Number: (502) 573-7100
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Kentucky.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
Voting by mail is a two step process in Kentucky.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. You must have an excuse to qualify to vote with an absentee ballot. Check with your county clerk to learn more about qualifying excuses. If you qualify, you'll need to apply for an absentee ballot no later than October 24th.
The deadline for your application to be received online is May 7th.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the return envelopes - both the inner and outer envelopes. You must use both envelopes, and the flap on the inner envelope must be attached when you submit your ballot.
Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.
An election official conducting official duties, a designated family member, a roommate, or a caregiver may return your ballot.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
If you would like to vote in person, bring your unused mail-in absentee ballot with you to the county clerk's office on or before Election Day. If you do not have your ballot, you will be asked to sign an oath stating that you are only voting once.
Kentucky does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.
Your state has a cure period, which means you can “cure” a challenge to the signature on your ballot if it was done incorrectly. Your local elections office is required to contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot. You have until Election Day, May 16th, at 6 p.m. to cure your ballot.
You may get a call from a number you do not recognize with a notification that you need to cure your ballot. Be sure to pick so you don’t miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.
Registered voters in KY must show photo ID at the polls. Valid forms of identification include;
All acceptable forms of ID must be documents issued either by the U.S., Department of Defense, private or public college, or government entity located in Kentucky. Lastly, if a voter is personally acquainted with an election official, that official may confirm their identity.
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
Kentucky holds closed primary elections. If you are new to the state and registering for the first time, you may register with your party by the voter registration deadlines. Please visit the Kentucky Democratic or Republican party for more details.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
In-person no-excuse absentee voting will take place in the county clerk's office or other place designated by the county board of elections and approved by the state board of elections.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In Kentucky, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can vote in the Kentucky primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
