Kentucky Primary Election
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 03:05 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 17, 2023 07:05 a.m. UTC
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What key changes should voters know about?
Key changes to voting requirements in Kentucky:
- Eligible voters in Kentucky may now vote in-person absentee before Election Day without an excuse.
Learn more by visiting the Kentucky State Board of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Kentucky's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, in-person absentee voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Kentucky.
- In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Kentucky’s site to find where to vote absentee in person.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show photo ID, or be known personally by an election official who must sign an affirmation, to vote in Kentucky.
Acceptable forms include:
- driver's license
- military ID
- college ID
- Kentucky government ID
If you don't have a photo ID, you may obtain a free photo ID card at your circuit clerk’s office or one of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s regional offices.
If you cannot obtain a photo ID you may sign a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration" and present one of the following IDs:
- Social Security Card
- any ID issued by a county in Kentucky that has been approved by the State Board of Elections and shows your name
- any ID card with both your photograph and name
- any food stamp ID card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky that shows your name
- credit or debit card that shows your name
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
Can I register to vote online?
- Kentucky offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need a Social Security number to use Kentucky's online voter registration system.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Your full Social Security number is required. It is used for administrative purposes only and is not released to the public (KRS 116.155). No person shall be denied the right to register because of failure to include Social Security number.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Kentucky requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
- current and valid photo identification or
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
- More information here.
How do I vote by mail?
Kentucky allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Kentucky's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request a mail ballot using the Kentucky Absentee Request Portal. You can also contact your local election office to request an absentee ballot application by mail.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or in person. Find where to return your ballot in person on Kentucky's site to request an absentee voting application.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Kentucky’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Kentucky does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Kentucky State Board of Elections's website or contacting your local election office.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : Apr 17
- Online : Apr 17
- By mail (postmarked by) : Apr 17
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will need to show photo ID, or be known personally by an election official who must sign an affirmation, to vote in Kentucky.
Acceptable forms include:
- driver's license
- military ID
- college ID
- Kentucky government ID
If you don't have a photo ID, you may obtain a free photo ID card at your circuit clerk’s office or one of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s regional offices.
If you cannot obtain a photo ID you may sign a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration" and present one of the following IDs:
- Social Security Card
- any ID issued by a county in Kentucky that has been approved by the State Board of Elections and shows your name
- any ID card with both your photograph and name
- any food stamp ID card, electronic benefit transfer card, or supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky that shows your name
- credit or debit card that shows your name
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
Who can register to vote?
To register in Kentucky you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Kentucky for at least 28 days prior to the election date
- be 18 years of age on or before the next general election
- have not been convicted of a felony, or if convicted or if you have been convicted of a felony, your civil rights must have been restored by expungement, Executive Pardon, or Executive Order have not been judged "mentally incompetent" in a court of law
- not claim the right to vote anywhere outside Kentucky
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Kentucky. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Kentucky's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Kentucky, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The State Board of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Kentucky. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.