Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is extending no-excuse mail-in ballots to all registered voters, announcing a slew of changes that will expand in-person early voting and allow anyone concerned about the pandemic to safely vote from home, according to a story on AARP.org.
All registered voters can request a mail-in ballot online or from their county clerk’s office. Traditionally, only certain people were able to vote by mail, including students, people with disabilities, and members of the armed forces.
After introducing early voting during the June primaries, Kentucky will again allow all registered voters to cast their ballots early and in person. Early voting is usually limited to in-person absentee voting, which is usually restricted to only certain voters.
Here’s what else you need to know:
How do I register to vote?
You can register online, by mail or in person. You can use the state’s online voter registration portal to submit your information, or you can download a registration application and submit it to your county clerk’s office or the State Board of Elections in Frankfort.
You can also pick up a voter registration application at your county clerk’s office. The registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.
How can I get a mail-in ballot? Are there important deadlines?
Absentee ballots are usually only available to some voters, but this year you won’t need an excuse to cast your ballot by mail. The state plans to launch a web portal that will let you submit a mail-in ballot request online. But you can pick one up in person at your county clerk’s office. You can request a ballot through the voter portal until Oct. 9, but you’ll still be able to submit a request to your county clerk’s office by mail or in person until Oct. 27.
Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 6 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. You’ll also be able to drop your ballot into secure drop boxes, which will be made available by your county clerk’s office closer to Election Day. AARP urges voters to turn in their ballots well before a deadline whenever possible.
How do I know that my absentee ballot is secure?
Kentucky’s system for sealing ballots involves an inner envelope with a signature flap that’s placed into an outer envelope, helping to keep the forms secure. Election workers verify the signatures on ballots with the information they have on file.
When is Election Day? When are polls open?
Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re in line by 6 p.m., you’ll be allowed to vote. You can find your polling location on the secretary of state’s website.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Yes, early voting will begin Oct. 13. Hours vary by location, and polls will be closed on Sundays. You won’t need a reason to vote early this year. Contact your county clerk’s office to see when and where you can cast your ballot before Election Day.
What form of identification do I need to vote?
Voting rights advocates are trying to overturn a new voter-ID law that will require in-person and absentee-ballot voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification. Voters must either be a personal acquaintance of a voting precinct officer or present a driver’s license, Social Security card, state- or county-issued ID card, a special ID card approved in writing by the State Board of Elections, a credit card or other form of ID that includes the holder’s photo and signature.
Beshear in August announced that residents who were unable to get a driver’s license or photo ID because of the pandemic will be able to sign a document explaining their situation. This paperwork will be available at polling locations and will allow some voters without an approved ID to cast their ballots.
