2026 voter guide
KY
How to vote in Kentucky in 2026
Every deadline, rule, and official link — kept simple. When you're ready, build a personal plan with calendar reminders in about a minute.
Key dates
- State Primary
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- General Election
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Register online by
- Monday, October 5, 2026
- Register by mail by
- Monday, October 5, 2026(postmarked)
- Register in person by
- Monday, October 5, 2026
- Request a mail ballot by
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Deadlines shown are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
Subscribe to these deadlines
One tap adds every Kentucky deadline to your calendar — and when rules change, the dates update on their own. No account, no email.
Register to vote
Online: 29 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 29 days before Election Day. In person: 29 days before Election Day.
Online — the fastest way
A few minutes on the official site.
By mail
Print, sign, and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
In person
At your local election office or DMV.
Already registered? Double-check.
Vote by mail
Kentucky requires an approved excuse to vote by mail. Received by 11:59 PM 14 days before Election Day
Returning it: Received by 6pm Election Day.
Vote in person
Early voting
OfferedNo-excuse early voting runs Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31, 2026.
On Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — vote at your assigned polling place or vote center.
On your 2026 ballot
One statewide measure is certified for Kentucky's 2026 ballot so far.
Limit Governor's Pardon Power and Commutations Near General Election AmendmentConstitutional amendment · Executive power · Nov 3, 2026
This amendment would prohibit Kentucky's governor from issuing pardons or commuting sentences from 60 days before a gubernatorial election until the fifth Tuesday after the election.
A yes vote means: Prohibits the governor from granting pardons or commutations from 60 days before a gubernatorial election until the fifth Tuesday after it.
A no vote means: Keeps the governor's pardon and commutation powers unchanged.
All 2026 ballot measures, state by state →
Statewide measures only, from Ballotpedia's certified list (checked Jul 6, 2026). Local measures appear on your county sample ballot.
Quick answers
Can I register to vote online in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky has official online registration (deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026 for the general election). It usually takes a few minutes.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail?
Yes — Kentucky requires an approved excuse (like being away, illness, or disability) to vote by mail.
Can I register on Election Day?
No — same-day registration isn't available in Kentucky, so the advance deadline is the one that counts. Online: 29 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 29 days before Election Day. In person: 29 days before Election Day.
When are the 2026 elections?
State Primary: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Turn this into your plan
Three questions, then every Kentucky deadline lands on your calendar with reminders.
Make your voting planCompiled from official state sources, vote.gov, and Ballotpedia (2026 calendars). Rules occasionally change — when it matters, confirm with the Kentucky election office. Found an error? Tell us.