With roughly two weeks left before the primary election, some Kentucky voters have deadlines coming up to ensure their vote is counted. 

The online absentee ballot portal closes Tuesday, May 5. Voters who will not be able to vote on Election Day, which is May 19, can submit a request on the portal to receive a mail-in ballot. They must have an excuse recognized under state law, such as being a college student who will not be in their county of residence or temporarily residing outside of the state. 

To count, mail-in absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s local county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day. The Kentucky State Board of Elections website lists information about drop-box locations throughout the state. 

On Wednesday, May 6, excused in-person voting will begin in Kentucky. It ends on Wednesday, May 13. Voters wishing to cast ballots during that time must have a reason recognized under state law in order to not vote on Election Day or any of the no-excuse in-person voting days ahead of the election. Locations for excused in-person voting are also on the Kentucky State Board of Elections website. 

Kentucky voters will have several elections on the ballot, including nominees for U.S. Senate and congressional seats. To learn more about upcoming elections, read the Kentucky Lantern voter guide. 

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Linda Blackford for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.