As deadline nears, Grimes reminds voters to request and return absentee ballots promptly

Many Kentuckians are already casting their ballots in the Nov. 6 general election, and Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is reminding eligible individuals of the rules regarding absentee voting.
 

“Kentucky is at its best when everyone’s voice is heard,” said Grimes. “I encourage anyone who needs to vote absentee, particularly military voters serving overseas, to request and return their absentee ballots promptly.”
 

Voters who are eligible to vote absentee in the Nov. 6 election include:
 

• Military personnel, their dependents, and overseas citizens
• Students who temporarily reside outside the county
• Other voters who temporarily reside outside of Kentucky (e.g., “snowbirds”)
• Voters who are incarcerated but have not yet been convicted
• Voters whose employment takes them outside the county during all hours the polling place is open
• Voters who will be out of the county on Election Day
• Military personnel confined to base who learn of that confinement within seven days or less of the election
• Voters and spouses of voters who have surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on Election Day
• Pregnant women in their third trimester
• Precinct election officials
• Voters of advanced age or who suffer from disability or illness
 

Depending on the reason for casting an absentee ballot, an individual may be permitted to vote either by mail or in person. Voters may request an absentee ballot application from their county clerks in person or via telephone, fax or email.
 

Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk’s office no later than Oct. 30, and completed ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day Nov. 6.
 

In-person absentee voting will begin in all counties no later than Oct. 23, although county boards of elections may permit in-person absentee balloting earlier. In-person absentee voting is conducted during the county clerk’s regular business hours on voting machines similar to those used on Election Day. In-person absentee votes must be cast by close of business on Nov. 5.
 

With the start of in-person absentee voting, electioneering laws are in effect in buildings where absentee voting is conducted. During polling hours, electioneering is prohibited inside absentee voting locations and electioneering materials may not be affixed to the interior or exterior of those buildings.
 

Anyone with questions about absentee voting or electioneering should click here or contact their county board of elections, county clerk or the State Board of Elections. You can also follow @kysecofstate on Twitter and on Facebook to receive other election-related announcements.
 

From Kentucky Secretary of State