Kentucky’s 3-day early voting period has started. Here’s your guide to casting a ballot

Jackie Starkey
·6 min read

With just days left until Election Day, voters across Kentucky can now cast their ballot early — no excuse needed.

While polling places will open across the commonwealth Tuesday, Nov. 7, there are multiple ways registered voters can participate in advance, including early voting sites.

On the ballot this fall is a hotly contested race for governor, as well as statewide seats and some local contests. If you need to catch up on the races, you can find comprehensive coverage of the election through the Herald-Leader’s 2023 Kentucky Voter Guide.

Here’s what to know casting your ballot early, including where to go, what to bring and other options.

When is early voting in Kentucky for the 2023 General Election?

Since 2020, Kentucky has offered a three-day early voting period for all registered voters. For this election, it kicks off Thursday, Nov. 2 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 4. Hours vary by location.

Unlike other types of early voting in the commonwealth, you don’t need a reason to take advantage of this period — you simply need to be a registered voter and visit any in-person site in your county during early voting hours.

On Election Day, you must visit your assigned precinct.

Where can I vote early in Fayette County/Lexington?

Fayette County has four early voting sites open to all voters this fall. Three of them are being used for early voting for the first time, according to Fayette County Clerk Susan Lamb.

The sites are at the following locations, and all are open all three days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

  • Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Lane, Lexington, KY 40502

  • Northside Library, 1733 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, KY 40505

  • Eastside Library, 3000 Blake James Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

  • Tates Creek Library, 3628 Walden Drive, Lexington, KY 40517

While they have been used as Election Day precincts, this is the first round of early voting at the library branches.

Lamb said she hopes voters will take advantage of the “vote center” concept — in which you can visit any early voting site in your county, rather than your assigned precinct (as required on Election Day) — to encourage state legislators to expand and preserve the early voting period.

“It opens up a convenience factor,” Lamb noted.

Secretary of State Michael Adams has voiced concerns early voting options in Kentucky may be “defunded” by state lawmakers in the future.

For those worried about waiting in line, all the sites in Lexington offer indoor voting, and the National Weather Service forecasts sunny weather Thursday through Saturday.

Where can I vote early elsewhere in Kentucky?

For Kentuckians who don’t live in Fayette County, your early voting site or sites will be run by your respective county clerk’s office.

You can use the polling place locator tool offered by the Kentucky State Board of Elections to identify an early voting site by looking for the “In-Person No-Excuse Absentee Location” or locations for your county. Voters can visit any site in their county if there are multiple.

Early voting sites for the counties adjacent to Fayette include the following:

  • Scott County: Scott County Public Library, 104 S. Bradford Lane, Georgetown, KY 40324 (Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

  • Bourbon County: Bourbon County Legion Park, 30 Legion Drive, Paris, KY 40361 (Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

  • Clark County: Clark County Courthouse, 34 South Main St., Winchester, KY 40391 (Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday)

  • Madison County: Russel Acton Folk Center, 212 W. Jefferson St., Berea, KY 40403; Madison Co. Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond, KY 40475; Madison County Public Library, 507 W Main St., Richmond, KY 40475; and Ignite Academy North Campus, 2075 Merchant Drive, Richmond, KY 40475 (Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Jessamine County: Jessamine County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St., Nicholasville, KY 40356 (Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Woodford County: Falling Springs Recreation Center, 275 Beasley Drive, Versailles, KY 40383 (Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday)

Who can vote early during the three-day period?

Any registered voter can visit a site and cast a ballot without an excuse.

Unfortunately for those not registered, the deadline for the November election was Oct. 10, but after the election the portal will open once more for new registrants. If you think you may be eligible to vote, visit your polling place on Election Day and speak with an official.

Do I need an a photo ID to vote early in Kentucky?

Yes, just like on Election Day, all registered voters will be required to present a valid identification to get their ballot during the early voting period.

Examples of acceptable IDs under Kentucky law include things like a driver’s license, military or state-issued ID, one given by a university or public or private college and more.

Can I still vote by mail in Kentucky?

If you have already requested your absentee ballot, you can use it to vote early in the Nov. 7 election. The deadline to request one fell Oct. 24.

Voters should be sure to read instructions carefully and fill out their ballot completely to ensure it is properly counted.

Absentee-by-mail ballots must be returned to your respective county clerk by 6 p.m. local time Election Day. You can mail it in via the U.S. Postal Service, postmarked by Nov. 7, return it in person at your clerk’s office or use one of the secure ballot drop boxes in your county. If you opt for the latter, the ballot must be placed in the drop box by 6 p.m.

Visit the state’s polling place site list to find the locations of drop boxes in all 120 counties.

What if I want to vote on Election Day in Kentucky?

Never fear, staunch Election Day voters will get their opportunity Tuesday. Polls open statewide at 6 a.m. local time and remain open through 6 p.m.

All voters in line by 6 p.m. will be able to cast their ballot, just be sure to bring your ID and visit your correct precinct.

You can find more information about voting in Kentucky and look up your registration and polling place online at govote.ky.gov.

Do you have a question about the 2023 General Election in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.