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Most voters must use the state's online portal to request an absentee ballot.
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COVID-19 info

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Kentucky, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Human Services

Kentucky absentee ballot deadlines

Request deadlines

  • In Person: N/A
  • By Mail: N/A
  • Online: Received by 11:59 PM 14 days before Election Day.

Ballot deadlines

  • Voted ballots are due: Received by 6pm Election Day.

Kentucky absentee ballot rules

You may vote by absentee ballot by mail in Kentucky if:

  • You are advanced in age, disabled, or ill on Election Day and during in-person absentee voting.
  • You are a military personnel or their dependent, or an overseas citizen.
  • You are a student who temporarily resides outside the county.
  • You are a voter who temporarily resides outside of Kentucky and who maintains eligibility to vote in Kentucky, such as a "snowbird".
  • You are incarcerated, but not yet convicted of a crime.
  • You are employed outside of the county all hours the polling place is open and all days in-person absentee voting is conducted.
  • You are a program participant in the Department of State's Address Confidentiality Program.

All registered voters may vote by absentee ballot in person in Kentucky.

Kentucky absentee ballot directions

  1. Most eligible voters must use the state's online portal to request their absentee ballot.
  2. You may contact your Local Election Office to request your absentee ballot if you are one of the following:
    • A disabled voter
    • A qualifying military or overseas voter;
    • A voter who does not have means of accessing the online portal; or
    • A voter experiencing a medical emergency within 14 days of the election.

Tracking your ballot

You can track your ballot directly with your state.

Once you receive your ballot...

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

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