Key Takeaways
- To register for kentucky voter registration, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident for at least 28 days, and at least 18 years old by Election Day.
- You can register online, by mail, or in person at your County Clerk’s Office.
- The deadline for registration is 29 days before the election; same-day registration is not available.
- Bring a photo ID to vote, such as a driver’s license or military ID; alternative IDs are allowed if you lack a photo ID.
- Kentucky allows early voting three days before elections and absentee voting for eligible voters.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Your vote is your voice, and completing your Kentucky voter registration is the first step to making it count. Whether you’re a first-time voter, a new resident, or someone who just needs to update their information, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to get registered and ready to vote in the Bluegrass State.
Who Can Register To Vote In Kentucky?
Before you register, make sure you meet Kentucky’s eligibility requirements. To register to vote in Kentucky, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Kentucky for at least 28 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by the date of the next General Election. You also cannot be a person with felony convictions (unless your civil rights have been restored) or have been judged mentally incompetent in a court of law.
Here’s a perk for younger voters: you can pre-register to vote in Kentucky if you are 17 years old and will turn 18 on or before the next election.
Three Ways To Complete Your Kentucky Voter Registration
Kentucky makes it easy by giving you three options to register:
1. Register Online
The fastest and most convenient method is online registration. Kentucky offers online registration at the state’s election website, which is often the fastest way to register to vote or update your registration, including changing your name or address. Head to govote.ky.gov and use your current Kentucky Driver’s License to complete your application.
2. Register By Mail
Prefer a paper form? You can download a Kentucky voter registration card, print it, fill it out, and mail it to the Kentucky State Board of Elections at: KY State Board of Elections, 140 Walnut Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-3240. You can also email it to your local County Clerk.
3. Register In Person
Visit your County Clerk’s Office to submit an application in person. This is also a great option if you have questions or need help filling out your form.
Kentucky Voter Registration Deadlines
Don’t wait until the last minute. The deadline to register to vote is 29 days before the election, whether you register by mail (postmarked), in person, or online. Kentucky does not offer same-day voter registration, so be sure to submit your voter registration before the deadline.
Choose Your Political Party
When you complete your Kentucky voter registration, you’ll need to pick a party. Party designations accepted in Kentucky are Democrat, Republican, or Other. Since Kentucky conducts closed party primaries, you must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote in that party’s primary election. If you register as “Other,” you can vote only for nonpartisan offices during primary elections, but you may vote for any candidate in general elections.
What ID Do You Need To Vote?
Once you’re registered, you’ll need to bring the right ID to the polls. To vote in Kentucky, you must present a photo ID that shows your name and photograph. Accepted forms of ID include a Kentucky driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, college ID, or a government-issued ID from the state or a local Kentucky agency.
If you don’t have one of those, don’t panic. At your polling place, you can fill out a form explaining why you cannot get an allowed photo ID. Alternative IDs include a Social Security card, a Kentucky food stamp, EBT, or SNAP card with your name, or a credit or debit card with your name.
How To Check Your Kentucky Voter Registration Status
Already registered, but not sure if your information is current? You can verify your voter registration online at govote.ky.gov. You do not have to re-register for each election. Re-registration is only necessary if you have moved or legally changed your name.Â
Early Voting and Absentee Voting Options
Life gets busy, and Kentucky gives you flexibility. Kentucky allows in-person, no-excuse early voting three days before Election Day, including Saturday. Registered voters can go to voting centers within their county regardless of their voting precinct.
You may vote by absentee ballot by mail in Kentucky if you are advanced in age, disabled, or ill on Election Day; a member of the military or their dependent; a student who temporarily resides outside the county; or a voter who temporarily resides outside of Kentucky but maintains eligibility to vote there.
Completing your Kentucky voter registration takes just a few minutes, but it opens the door to participating in every election – local, state, and national. Head to govote.ky.gov today, get registered, and make your voice heard.