Election FAQS
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How do I register to vote?
Call the County Clerk’s office (859) 292-3885 to request that a registration card be mailed to you or stop by and complete a card when you visit:
- Driver’s License Bureau
- Military recruitment offices
- Designated public assistance agencies
- Public libraries
For more information about how to register, click here.
Who may register to vote?
- A native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen who is 18 years old by the general election
- A resident of the state and county at least 28 days before election
- A convicted felon whose civil rights have been legally restored
- Any citizen who has not been judged “mentally incompetent” in a court of law
- Any citizen who does not claim the right to vote outside Kentucky
When do I need to register to vote?
The registration deadline is 28 days before each election. The Primary Election is held the first Tuesday after the third Monday in May; the General Election is held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
When do I need to change my party affiliation?
December 31st is the deadline each year for changing your political party affiliation to be eligible to vote in your party’s primary election the following year.
What if I have special needs at the polls?
People who require voting assistance due to temporary/permanent disability or an inability to read English may apply to their County Board of Elections for a certification of a need for voting assistance. A person may also request voting assistance from someone of their choice or two election officers at the polls. A person may not be assisted by their employer, his/her agent, a union officer or agent of that voter’s union.
If I move, will my polling location change?
Possibly, make sure you change your address with the Board of Elections so you can vote in your correct polling location on Election Day.
What is my polling location?
To find your voting location call the clerk’s office at (859) 292-3885.
Avoid the last-minute rush on Election Day. Find your polling location today.
Avoid the last-minute rush on Election Day. Find your polling location today.
What are proper forms of identification for voting?
Proper forms of identification are:
- Drivers’ license
- Voter registration card
- Credit card
- Social security card
- Personal acquaintance of a poll worker or other personal identification
Note: Oath of the voter is no longer used as an acceptable form of identification pursuit to House Bill 33, signed into law on March 1, 2002.
What if I will be out of town on Election Day?
Voters who will be outside the county on Election Day may vote in person at the County Clerk Office, at least 12 working days before the election.
What are the reasons a person may be able to vote absentee by mail?
Kentucky law allows mailing an absentee ballot for these reasons:
- Person is unable go to the polling places to vote due to age, disability, or illness on Election Day.
- A student, who temporarily resides outside the county in which he/she is registered voter.
- Voters, who are temporarily resides outside the state of Kentucky, but who are still eligible to vote in this state.
- Person incarcerated in jail that has been charged with a crime but has yet to be convicted of the crime.
- Person whose employment location requires him/her 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.
- Residents of Kentucky and their dependents who are members of the Armed Forces are eligible to vote.
- Kentucky citizens who are residing overseas are eligible to vote in this state.
What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot application?
Application for an absentee ballot must be received in the clerk’s office from the post office 7 days before an election.
What time do the polls open and close on Election Day?
The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How is it possible for a 17-year-old to register and vote in a primary election?
It is possible when their 18th birthday is after the primary election but on or before the date of the general election.
If a person registers as an independent or with no party preference, can that person vote for anyone they want to in the primary election?
No. Kentucky has a closed primary system. The independently registered voter may only vote for non-partisan-driven races or issues in the primary election.
Do voters have to re-register before every election?
No, only if the voters have moved, have had a name change, and/or wishes to change their party affiliation.
What if a voter needs a ride to the polls on Election Day?
Voters should contact their political party headquarters for additional information.
What happens in Kentucky elections if there is a tie?
It is settled by lot, the method is determined by the County Board of Elections.