What to know about voting and who's on the ballot for the 2022 Kentucky elections
Election Day is here, with plenty of high-profile races on the ballot this year. Are you ready to vote?
Louisville residents will choose their new mayor, and parents will get a chance to pick the next Jefferson County Public Schools board members. Meanwhile, abortion access across Kentucky is on the line with a vote for Constitutional Amendment 2, which would establish no protected right to abortion if passed.
Here's a quick look at what to expect if you're heading to the polls in November.
When are the 2022 midterm elections in Kentucky?
Election Day for Kentucky (and the rest of the country) is Nov. 8, 2022. The polls will be open in the Bluegrass State from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who is on the ballot in Kentucky?
Races on the ballot this year in Kentucky include U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state senator, state representative and Supreme Court justice. Judicial races for courts of appeals, circuit court, family court and district judge are on ballots as well.
We've put voter guides together to let you know about:
Who is on the ballot in Louisville?
Races on the ballot in Louisville include mayor, between Bill Dieruf and Craig Greenberg; property valuation administrator; county judge-executive, attorney, clerk, coroner, surveyor and commissioner; Louisville Metro Council; and Jefferson County School Board.
We've put together voter guides for:
Louisville mayor, including where Dieruf and Greenberg stand on LMPD.
Metro Council, including stances on gun violence and district ideas
JCPS school board, and what candidates believe are the top issues
What else is on the ballot?
Two potential amendments to the state constitution are also on the ballot.
The first one covers potential changes to sections of the constitution as it pertains to the General Assembly. Constitutional Amendment 1 proposes allowing legislators to call special sessions themselves and let the legislature extend regular sessions so they can end later in the year.
Constitutional Amendment 2, meanwhile, would eliminate the right to abortion in Kentucky if passed, while leaving open the possibility that abortion could be declared a state right if it is not passed.
The vote comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade over the summer, establishing abortion access as an issue left up to states.
A guide to voter rights in Kentucky:A guide to voter rights in Kentucky. What you need to know before you cast a ballot
What if I can't vote on Nov. 8?
Out of the state on Nov. 8? You have a few options to make your voice heard.
Absentee voting by mail is one option, but you'll need to act soon. If you meet any absentee voting requirements (such as temporarily living outside of Kentucky) be sure to register online before Oct. 25 on the state's Board of Elections website to receive your ballot. If you meet the requirements for absentee voting apply for a ballot online through the state's online portal — https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb/.
And, heads up, your vote must be received before Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. to be counted. Ballots can be dropped at the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center or in any of the seven polling places for no-excuse early voting.
No-excuse early voting will be available from Nov. 3 to 5 for anybody that is registered to vote. Here are the locations of those polling stations, which will be open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Road
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
Mary Queen of Peace, 4017 Dixie Highway
Louisville Marriott East, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd.
Kentucky Exposition Center, East Hall A & B, 937 Phillips Lane
Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.
Excused in-person absentee voting, is open from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2 (except on Saturday and Sunday). This option is aimed at people who have medical, employment or residential exceptions and will not be able to vote on Nov. 8. The full list of excused early voting qualifications is listed on the state's Board of Elections website. To apply for this option, contact your local county clerk.
Where do I vote?
Polling locations in Louisville can be found on the Jefferson County Clerk's website. Bullitt County residents can find their polling locations on their county clerk's website as well,
Oldham County residents, meanwhile, can vote at any of the following polling locations:
Oldham County High School, 1150 Ky. 393
South Oldham Middle School, 6403 Ky. 146
North Oldham High School, 1815 S. Ky. 1793
East Oldham Middle School, 1201 Ky. 22
Westport Baptist Church Life Center, 6415 Washington St.
More:5 takeaways from the 2022 Kentucky primary election. (Hint: The first one is 'money wins')
How do I know if I'm registered to vote in Kentucky?
Kentucky's Board of Elections website has a page where you can check. You'll be asked to provide your name, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If there is no record of your registration or if you have not received a confirmation card but are sure you registered before the Oct. 11 deadline, contact your county clerk.
Can I see a Kentucky sample ballot?
There is not one sample ballot that applies for all of Kentucky, because each county has its own local races. But the Kentucky Secretary of State website has a portal that will show your your ballot if you enter your address.
Election Guide:Every Jefferson County Judge seat is on the ballot. Here's what to know.
Do I have to vote for the party I'm registered with?
Unlike Kentucky's primary elections, which are only open to voters who are registered supporters of specific parties, the general election is open to voters of all parties, including independents. And you can vote for whomever you wish.
Related:After decisive Kansas vote, Kentucky voters will get their say in abortion's future
Do I need an ID to vote in Kentucky?
Voters are required to provide some type of personal identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include:
Driver's license
Military ID
College ID
Kentucky government ID
If you do not have any of these, you may request a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present any of the following:
Social Security card
Any ID issued by a county in Kentucky and approved by the state's Board of Elections
State ID card with picture
Any food stamp ID card or nutrition assistance card that shows your name
Credit card
Where do I report problems at the polls in Kentucky?
Kentuckians who witness potential election irregularities or election law violations are encouraged to call 800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683).
The hotline is open during regular business hours and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Eastern time) on Election Day.
We want to know what you're seeing at the polls, too. Contact The Courier Journal at lounews@courierjournal.com.
The state's Board of Elections can answer additional questions about voting at (502) 573-7100.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky elections 2022: What to know before you go to the polls
