Kentucky Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by people with US mailing addresses.

Important Deadlines

• Voter Registration Form: Postmarked at least 29 days before the election
• Absentee Ballot Application: Received 7 days before the election
• Voted Absentee Ballot: Received by 6:00 PM on Election Day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget. Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also use the Kentucky Voter Registration Form.  Mail your completed form to your County Clerk's office. 

Verify your voter registration

Kentucky will not issue a voter registration card or an absentee ballot to anyone whose identity can't be verified.  Contact your County Clerk to verify your voter registration prior to applying for an absentee ballot.  This is especially important if you are a first time voter in Kentucky. 

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

You may vote by absentee ballot in Kentucky if:  

• you are of advanced age, you have a physical disability, or you are suffering from an illness
• you are a member of the Armed Forces or the dependent of a member of the Armed Forces
• you are military personnel confined to a military base on election day
• you are temporarily residing overseas but still eligible to vote in Kentucky
• you are temporarily residing out of state but still eligible to vote in Kentucky
• you are a student attending school outside your county of residence
• you are incarcerated in jail and charged but not convicted of a felony
• ou are working outside the county and unable to vote early in the county clerk's office or in your polling place on election day.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Kentucky prepares a personalized absentee ballot application for every voter who wishes to vote absentee. Contact your County Clerk and ask them to mail you an absentee ballot application. Your spouse, parents or children can also request an application on your behalf. 

Your County Clerk must receive your absentee ballot application by the 7th day before the election.

If you change your place of residence to a different state while the registration books are closed in the new state, you can apply for a mail-in absentee ballot or vote on the absentee voting machine only in President/Vice President election.

Receive, complete and return your voted ballot

Your County Clerk will mail you an absentee ballot and a return envelope.  Complete the absentee ballot, sign the outer envelope where indicated, and mail the absentee ballot back to your County Clerk's Office.  Your absentee ballot must be received by 6pm on Election Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote?

If you are registering to vote for the first time in Kentucky, and you register by mail, you must include a copy of your ID with your voter registration form.  If you forget, you'll need to provide ID the first time you vote in person or by absentee ballot.  Acceptable forms of ID include:a driver's license or other photo identification that shows the voter's name and address OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the voter's name and address.

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot?

No.  Kentucky won't issue an absentee ballot to anyone whose identity can't be verified.  If you've received your absentee ballot, your identity has been verfied and you are clear to vote. 

I need an emergency absentee ballot.  What do I do? 

You can apply for a emergency absentee ballot if you experience a medical emergency during the 14 days before the election.  Your spouse can also apply for an emergency absentee ballot on your behalf.  Contact your County Clerk's Office if you need an emergency absentee ballot.

Additional Information