What should I bring?

Kentucky requires a form of photo ID to vote. This includes IDs like your driver’s license, military ID, college ID or Kentucky government ID. 

If you don’t have a photo ID card, you are able to get a free one by visiting a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

If you cannot obtain a photo ID card but are registered to vote, you may sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present any of the following IDs instead:

• Social security card
• Credit or debit card that shows your name
• Any ID card with both your photograph and name
• Any supplemental nutrition assistance card issued by Kentucky that shows your name, like a food stamp ID card
• Any ID issued by a Kentucky county that shows your name and has been approved by the State Board of Elections

A Reasonable Impediment Declaration is a form you can fill out if you don’t have your voter ID with you.

Where do I go?

Election Day is on Nov. 5. Polls will open at 6 a.m and close at 6 p.m.

To find your polling location, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Elections website and select “Find my polling place.” You can also find your polling location by searching “polling locations near me” on Google.

Some places will allow you to vote in-person early if you have an approved excuse. This is called early voting.

Absentee ballot requests last until Oct. 22, and early voting starts on Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 2.

For early voting, you can go to any of Kentucky’s county polling locations without being turned away as long as you are a registered voter.

Early voting can be helpful if you are unable to vote in person on Election Day.

For those planning to vote in Lexington, all Fayette County public libraries will be open to vote between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.

What about early voting?

Although the deadline to register to vote has already passed, Kentucky does still allow eligible voters to request a mail-in ballot. 

To request a ballot, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Elections website and select “Absentee Ballot Request” to see if you qualify for one. Once you fill out the information needed, you should receive your ballot in the mail relatively soon.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot expires on Oct. 22 at 11:59 p.m.

What will my ballot look like?

If you are a Kentucky voter, visit the Kentucky Secretary of State website and click on the county you will be voting in. An example ballot will be shown to you and will vary depending on the county you will be voting in.

Voting FAQs

What if I forget my ID?

If you forget your ID, you should ask one of the working pollers for a provisional ballot. 

You will be asked to verify a few things in order for the provisional ballot to count, so don’t stress out if you do not have your ID.

You can also call or text the Voter Protection Hotline and ask for help at 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683.

What if I go to the wrong place?

If you go to the wrong place on Election Day, find a poll worker and ask for help. They will have a list of poll locations and will be able to direct you to the right place.

What if I don’t know who to vote for?

You are allowed to Google search the candidates while voting, but it’s also recommended to research beforehand.

If you simply don’t know who to vote for, though, you are allowed to leave that section blank on your ballot. All that matters is that you decide who you want to vote for.