A procrastinator’s guide to voting in the November election, governor’s race in Kentucky

While there was a slight uptick in no-excuse early voters and a highly contested race for governor on the ballot, officials in Kentucky aren’t expecting exceptional turnout Tuesday for Election Day.

Sunday, Secretary of State Michael Adams, whose office oversees elections in the Bluegrass State, reported 260,324 Kentuckians had cast their ballot early in the Nov. 7 election. That’s up just a bit, he noted, from 2022, when 253,018 voted early.

He believes overall turnout will hover around 42%, he said in a post on X. In a response to the Herald-Leader, Adams noted he found the early voting turnout disappointing, as “both sides put energy and resources into promoting it.”

Turnout was low in May for the packed primary contests, as well. In Fayette County, home to nearly 243,000 Kentucky voters, County Clerk Susan Lamb said in October she expected turnout to be greater than 40% in November, which she called “big.”

While more voters did partake in no-excuse-needed early voting, a dig into the unofficial results show in-person excused voting and mail-in balloting both dropped off from 2022.

There’s still time for Kentuckians to vote in what has become one of the most closely watched races in the nation this year as Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron challenges incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear for the highest office in the state. Polling results from Emerson College Polling released Nov. 3 show Cameron surged to tie with Beshear in the final days of the campaign for governor.

Tuesday is your last chance to cast a ballot if you didn’t participate in early voting. To make sure you’re prepared, we’re rounded up a last-minute guide to voting with what to know before you head to the polls.

When are polls open on Election Day in Kentucky?

Tuesday, Nov. 7, the polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time across Kentucky. All those in line by 6 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

That means polls will remain open in the western reaches of the state for an hour after most have closed at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

How do I find my polling place in Kentucky?

Unlike the early voting period, you must cast your ballot at your assigned precinct location on Election Day.

Those unsure of their location can visit govote.ky.gov to look up their voter registration information to find their polling location. A complete list of polling sites in Kentucky is available online, organized alphabetically by county.

You can find other options and more detailed information about finding your polling place with this Herald-Leader guide.

Do I need to be registered to vote in Kentucky to cast a ballot?

Yes. You must already be registered as of Oct. 10 to participate in the November contests.

If you are unsure of your registration status, you can research it at govote.ky.gov, contact your county clerk or visit your polling place and speak with an election worker. If you use the state’s online voter registration lookup tool, you will be asked to enter your legal first and last name, date of birth and can enter the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you find you aren’t registered, Kentucky will open its poll books again following the election to start registering voters for 2024.

Can I still vote early?

No. Both Kentucky’s in-person early voting opportunities have wrapped up for this election, including the three-day no-excuse needed period.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in Kentucky?

You sure do. If you’re headed out to vote, poll workers will need to see a valid form of photo identification at the polls.

There are a variety of acceptable forms of ID, including driver’s licenses, state- or university-issued cards and more.

If you don’t have a valid ID, speak with a poll worker about what options may be available to you. You still have the right to vote under Kentucky law using a voter affirmation form.

Can I still return my mail-in ballot?

Yes, and you’re running out of time to do so.

To ensure your absentee ballot arrives on time, consider dropping it in your county’s secure drop box(es). You can find a complete list of locations online, labeled “drop box locations for mail ballot.” Each drop box is monitored via cameras, and will close at 6 p.m. local time.

It must be received by your county clerk no later than 6 p.m. Election Day to be counted.

Does Kentucky have accommodations for voters at polling places?

Yes, Kentucky voters who are blind or visually impaired, have a physical disability or who cannot read English have a right to assistance under the law.

If you need help at the polling site or access to accommodations, contact your county clerk or a poll worker at your location. Under the law, you have the right to vote even if you need assistance from an individual of your choice or two election judges at your polling place.

What is on the ballot Nov. 7? Where can I research the candidates?

If you’re doing some last-minute homework on the races, never fear. The Herald-Leader has comprehensive coverage of the statewide races, as well as those in Fayette County, in our 2023 Kentucky Voter Guide.

The following statewide races will appear on ballots in Kentucky:

• Governor and lieutenant governor (these appear as a single race on your ballot)

• Secretary of State

• State Treasurer

• Auditor of Public Accounts

• Commissioner of Agriculture

• Attorney General

Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible to vote in some local races.

You can vote straight party in Kentucky, but if you do so, be sure to check for and vote in any nonpartisan races that may appear on your ballot.

You can learn more about finding your sample ballot and candidate information with this guide. Voters also are entitled to request a sample ballot at polling locations for review before voting.

You can find all our 2023 election coverage from our Bluegrass Politics team online at kentucky.com under “Politics.”

What’s the forecast for Election Day in Central Kentucky?

Take your rain jacket if you think you may need to stand in line on Election Day. There’s a 10% chance of showers in the forecast Tuesday in Lexington, according to the latest report from the National Weather Service.

Otherwise, it’s expected to partly sunny with a high around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where can I find race results Tuesday night?

The Herald-Leader will have extensive coverage of the races throughout the day Tuesday and into Wednesday.

You can find all our coverage online at kentucky.com, and be sure to check in at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time when the first polls close to see early returns.

Do you have a question about the 2023 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.