In many Kentucky counties, eligible voters may already cast absentee votes for the Kentucky’s May 19, 2015, Primary Election in their county clerks’ offices. All counties will allow eligible voters to cast in-person absentee ballots at least 12 working days before the election.
Individuals who may be eligible to vote by in-person absentee ballot include:
• Military personnel, their dependents, and overseas citizens who are absent from the county on Election Day
• Military personnel confined to a base who learn of the confinement within seven days or less of the election
• Students and residents who temporarily reside outside the county
• Students who temporarily reside outside the county
• Voters who temporarily reside outside Kentucky (e.g., vacationers)
• Voters (and their spouses) who have surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on Election Day
• Women in their third trimester of pregnancy
• Election officials (e.g., precinct election officers appointed to serve in precincts other than their own, alternate precinct election officers, and board of election members and staff)
• Other voters who are absent from the county on Election Day.
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 May 18, 2015.
With the start of in-person absentee voting, electioneering laws become effective in buildings where absentee voting is conducted. Kentucky law currently provides that 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.
“Voting is both a right and a responsibility,” said Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s chief election official. “Every election matters, and every vote counts, so I hope as many of Kentucky’s voters as possible will make their voices heard in our Primary Election.”
Individuals who do not qualify to vote absentee in person may be eligible to vote by mail-in absentee ballot. Voters may request an absentee ballot application from their county clerk in person or via telephone, fax, or email. Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by no later than May 12, 2015, and the completed absentee ballot must be received by the county clerk by 6:00 p.m. local time on Election Day.
Persons with questions about absentee voting should contact their county clerk or the State Board of Elections.
Additional information is also available at: http://www.elect.ky.gov
(story provided by Kentucky Secretary of State)
