Early Voting Rules in Kentucky
- Kentucky has strict rules to determine absentee ballot eligibility.directional vote sign image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
Unlike many states, Kentucky does not allow for early voting. However, you may be eligible to vote via absentee ballot before election day. Kentucky law does not allow for unexcused absentee voting. You may only obtain an absentee ballot through your county clerk's office. - According to the Kentucky State Board of Elections website, to qualify for absentee voting in Kentucky, you must meet its strict criteria. Individuals who are of advanced age, disabled, ill, an overseas citizen, a student temporarily residing outside the county or temporarily residing outside of Kentucky but maintaining eligibility to vote in Kentucky can vote via absentee ballot. You also are eligible if you are military personnel or a dependent of military personnel, are in prison but have not yet been convicted of a crime or work outside of the county during all hours the polling place is open.
- To request an absentee ballot in Kentucky, you or your spouse, parents or children must contact your county clerk. You may contact your county clerk by phone, fax, email, mail or in person. If you go in person, the county clerk's office will hand you an application. Otherwise, it can mail you one. Similarly, you may either deliver the completed application in person or by mail.
- If a medical emergency occurs within 14 days of an election, you or your spouse may apply for a medical emergency absentee ballot. The voter can receive the ballot in person up to and including election day.
