Early voting in Kentucky 2022: How to cast a ballot outside of Election Day

Whether you’re a staunch Election Day voter or like to visit the ballot box when it’s most convenient, there are options for you to participate in the upcoming May primaries in Kentucky.

If you are planning to vote in-person during the state’s early voting window – May 12 to 14 – here’s what you should know and what other options may be available.

When is the early voting period in Kentucky?

The commonwealth introduced early voting for the first time in 2020 as part of a series of changes to elections law to allow voting to proceed amid the coronavirus pandemic. At that time, the early voting period stretched three weeks. As part of changes introduced in 2021, early voting in Kentucky, including for the 2022 May primary, now lasts three days.

This is the shortest early voting period in the country among states that offer early voting, Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr. pointed out recently during a community forum with the League of Women Voters of Lexington.

Where do I vote early in Fayette County? What times are the polls open?

For the Tuesday, May 17 primary contests, the three days of early voting in Kentucky are Thursday, May 12, Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14.

For Fayette County, early voting will be conducted at one location – Kroger Field. The University of Kentucky stadium at 1540 University Drive in Lexington will welcome voters from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each of the three days.

“You will go to Kroger Field. We’re going to be on the same side of the stadium we were for the primary in 2020. That’s the backside near Alumni Drive on the blue lot,” Blevins said. “There’ll be signs to direct people.”

Voters should enter at Gate 11.

Who can vote early in Kentucky?

Any registered voter can take part in early voting in person at Kroger Field, with no eligibility requirements or excuse needed.

That said, Kentucky is a closed primary state, meaning only those registered as a member of the party can cast a ballot in that party’s respective primary.

There are multiple non-partisan local races on the ballot as well, and voters who aren’t party-affiliated can still vote in those primaries.

The deadline has passed for those who have not registered to vote (it was April 18), but there is still time to get your registration order for November’s election.

The deadline has also passed to change your party affiliation.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in Kentucky?

Since 2020, Kentucky voters have been required to present photo IDs to vote.

According to VoteRiders, an organization aimed at ensuring ballot access, valid IDs include those issued by:

• U.S. or commonwealth of Kentucky
• U.S. Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marines or Kentucky National Guard
• Public or private college, university or postgraduate technical or professional school located within the United States
• Any government entity located within Kentucky

Those without an acceptable photo ID can still vote if they are registered, at the correct precinct to cast a ballot and meet the requirements and sign a voter affirmation form.

Can I still vote by mail in Kentucky?

The state does allow some voting by mail if certain eligibility requirements are met. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed, however. It was May 3.

If you requested a mail-in ballot, you can fill it out and return it one of two ways: by posting it back to the county clerk’s office or dropping it in a drop-box. For Fayette County voters, that box is at the clerk’s office, 162 E. Main St.,Lexington, KY 40507.

How else can I vote early in Kentucky?

In-person excused absentee balloting is currently underway.

This method allows voters to visit the clerk’s office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on eligible days: May 4, May 5, May 6, May 9, May 10 and May 11.

The voter must meet one of the acceptable excuses to vote absentee in-person to use this method.

What if I still want to vote on Election Day?

And for you staunch Election Day voters – the polls open at 6 a.m. May 17 and remain open until 6 p.m.

On May 17, you must vote in your assigned precinct. Find your voting location in Fayette County at https://www.fayettecountyclerk.com/web/elections/votingLocations.htm.

Do you have a question about voting or civic engagement in Kentucky? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out the form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.