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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Kentucky in 2012:

Do I need ID to vote?

Yes. All voters must produce identification or be known by a precinct officer prior to voting. Acceptable IDs include:

  • Personal acquaintance of the precinct officer;
  • Motor vehicle operator's license;
  • Social Security card;
  • Credit card; or
  • Identification card with picture and signature (other identification).

When are the polls open?

Polls are open on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All those in line by 6 p.m. will be able to vote.

Where do I vote on Election Day?

You will receive a notice in the mail from the county clerk with your precinct name and voting location address. If you have any questions concerning where to vote, call your county clerk or visit the Voter Information Center online at: https://cdcbp.ky.gov/VICWeb/index.jsp

REGISTRATION

What are the registration deadlines?

The deadline to register to vote for the primary election is April 23, 2012. The deadline to register to vote for the general election is Oct. 9, 2012.

How do I register to vote?

You can download and then mail in a voter registration card found online at http://elect.ky.gov or you can register at one of the following locations:

  • County clerk's office;
  • Driver's license office, if you are applying for or renewing your driver's license;
  • K-TAP, food stamp, Medicaid, WIC and state-funded offices serving those with disabilities, if you are a client of these offices;
  • Armed Forces recruitment offices, if you are a prospective member of the armed forces;
  • A high school, if you are a student or staff member; or
  • Federal mail-in voter registration form.

Do I need ID to register to vote?

No, you do not need a photo ID to register to vote. However, the Kentucky voter registration form requires that you fill in your Social Security number on the registration form.

VOTING ABSENTEE

What if I am unable to get to the polls on Election Day?

You may request an absentee ballot application from your county clerk's office in person, by mail, by phone or by fax. The deadline for applying for a mailed absentee ballot is seven days before an election. You must meet one of these qualifications to request a mailed absentee ballot:
Advanced age, disability, illness or medical emergency;

  • You are a member of the armed forces or the dependent of a member of the armed forces;
  • You are military personnel confined to a military base on Election Day;
  • You temporarily reside overseas but still are eligible to vote in Kentucky;
  • You are a student attending school outside the county of your voter registration;
  • You temporarily live outside the state but still are eligible to vote in Kentucky;
  • You are incarcerated in jail and have been charged but not convicted of a felony;
  • You work outside the county and are unable to vote either on the absentee voting machine in the county clerk's office or in your polling place on Election Day.

VOTING EARLY IN PERSON/ABSENTEE

A voting machine in the county clerk's office is available during the last 12 (or more) working days before the election for certain qualified voters.  If you do not qualify for a paper absentee ballot and meet one of the following conditions, you may vote an absentee ballot on a voting machine in the county clerk's office:

  • You will be out of the county on Election Day;
  • You are a pregnant woman in your third trimester;
  • You are a member or an employee of the county board of elections, deputy clerk, alternate precinct officer or appointed to a precinct other than that in
  • which you are registered;
  • You are a member of the Armed Forces who will be confined to base within the county on Election Day and learn of that confinement within seven or fewer days of the election;
  • You are a student attending school outside the county of your voter registration who will be absent from the county on Election Day, or
  • You or your spouse has surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on Election Day.

If you have a medical emergency, you or your spouse may apply for a medical emergency absentee ballot within 14 days or less of an election.

For more information on voting, call the Kentucky State Board of Elections at 502-573-7100 or go to http://elect.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx