MyTimeToVote Elections Center

State Election Guide

Kentucky election dates and voter deadlines

Kentucky 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.

Official-source focus. This page highlights structured 2026 dates and 4 selected official or high-value source links.
Last reviewed: August 21, 2026. Generated from structured election data and official source links. Confirm final details with state or local election officials.

Before You Vote

Key voting questions

Poll hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The polls shall be opened on the day of a primary, special election, or regular election at 6 a.m., prevailing time, and shall remain open until each voter who is waiting in line at the polls at 6 p.m., prevailing time, has voted. ,At 6 p.m., prevailing time, if voters are waiting at the polls to vote, the precinct election sheriff shall announce that a voter wishing to vote must immediately get in line. When all voters waiting at the polls at that time are in line, the precinct election sheriff shall then determine which voter is the last in line, and that voter shall be the last voter permitted to vote.

How can I find my polling location?

Voter Information Lookup can help you check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, and view your sample ballot.

Find polling place and ballot details

What's on the Kentucky ballot in 2026?

Kentucky's current statewide calendar includes Kentucky General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.

Check ballot details

Who can vote in primaries in Kentucky?

Kentucky is a closed primary State. Voters may or may not choose to affiliate with a political party, however, affiliation with a party is required to vote in primary elections.

Kentucky primary rules

Election Calendar

Kentucky current and upcoming election dates

Kentucky General Election 2026

November 3, 2026

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November

Poll hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Official Kentucky General Election 2026 source

Key deadlines
  1. Candidate petition filing deadline

    Last day for independent, political organization, or political group candidates to file a petition due to a vacancy occurring after the June filing deadline but less than 3 months before the election (

  2. Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment

    Print out the form, fill out the voter registration card by hand, sign it, and mail to the State Board of Elections. The completed application must be postmarked 29 days before Election Day.

  3. Voter Registration Deadline In Person

    A voter registration card can be obtained and completed at your county clerk's office. In person registration deadline is 29 days before Election Day.

  4. Voter Registration Deadline Online

    You can use the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Online Voter Registration to: Register to vote in Kentucky or Update your current registration record.

  5. Voting In Person Begins

    Excused, In-Person Absentee Voting: qualified voters may make applications to cast an absentee ballot during normal business hours during the six (6) business days immediately preceding the Thursday of no-excuse...

  6. Absentee ballot request deadline - UOCAVA

    Last day to apply for a military-overseas ballot (not later than close of business 7 days before election). A covered voter may use the declaration accompanying a federal write-in absentee ballot as an application for a...

  7. Early voting begins

    Early voting begins the Thursday before an Election day. In-person No-Excuse Absentee Voting to be conducted in the county clerk's office or other place designated by the county board of elections and approved by the...

  8. Early voting ends

    Early voting ends the Saturday before an Election Day. In-person No-Excuse Absentee Voting to be conducted in the county clerk's office or other place designated by the county board of elections and approved by the State...

Election Day Rules

Voting on Election Day in Kentucky

Time off for voting: Yes

Employees may take four hours to vote. Employers may specify which hours the employee can take off.

Voting at the polls on Election Day

certain voters may be able to vote an in-person absentee ballot early at their county clerk’s office

Voter ID: Non-strict photo ID

Click here to locate voting locations

Can I register at the polls on Election Day?

No. Kentucky does not list same-day voter registration. You must register by the voter registration deadline to vote in an election in Kentucky.

State Election Website