Are you a registered Kentucky voter who won’t be able to make it in-person to the polls this fall? You may qualify for a mail-in absentee ballot.
Mail-in absentee ballots in Kentucky are reserved for voters who are “prevented” from voting in the county they’re registered in on any of the in-person voting days available, which happen almost daily from Oct. 21 to Nov. 3.
That includes military members stationed overseas, college students away from home, those who are in jail but have not yet been convicted of a crime, or individuals who generally have difficulties making it to the polls due to age, disability, or illness.
You may also qualify for a mail-in absentee ballot if you participate in the Secretary of State’s crime victim address confidentiality protection program.
Mail-in ballots may also be available if you or your spouse has a medical emergency within 14 days of Election Day that prevents you from voting.
When is voting in Kentucky’s 2026 general election?
Kentucky voters have a few options for voting in the 2026 general election.
Excused, in-person absentee voting—meaning you need to have a valid excuse listed on the Secretary of State’s website—takes place Oct. 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 28.
In-person, no-excuse early voting—meaning anyone can do it—happens Oct. 29 through 31. And traditional Election Day voting happens Nov. 3.
In order to qualify for a mail-in ballot, you need to show you’re unable to vote in-person in the county you’re registered to vote in on those dates.
How do I request an absentee ballot in Kentucky?
You can request an absentee ballot in Kentucky by heading to this online portal and filling out your information.
When can I request an absentee ballot in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s 2026 absentee ballot portal opens Sept. 19 and closes Oct. 20, so make sure to set aside some time between those dates to fill out your information and request your absentee ballot if you want or need one.
When do I need to return my absentee ballot in Kentucky?
Mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day, Nov. 3. So, if you’re voting using a mail-in ballot, make sure you send it in with enough time to get to the right spot before that deadline.
How do I register to vote in Kentucky?
As long as you’re 18 years old on or before Election Day—Nov. 3—you’re able to register to vote in Kentucky. The deadline to register to vote in Kentucky’s 2026 elections is Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. local time.
