GLASGOW, Ky. — The general election is set for Nov. 3, and several important deadlines are approaching for Kentucky voters.

Since You Asked, here’s what you need to know.

Absentee ballot portal opens

Kentucky voters who qualify to vote by absentee ballot can request one through Oct. 20 using the state’s online portal.

The portal opened Sept. 19, 45 days before the Nov. 3 election, as required by state law.

Not every voter is eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Kentucky law outlines specific reasons a voter may request one, including being unable to vote in person because of work, travel, illness or other qualifying circumstances.

Voters can use the state’s online portal to determine whether they qualify and submit a request.

Absentee ballot requests due Oct. 20

The deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Oct. 20.

The State Board of Elections encourages voters who know they will vote by mail to request their ballot before the deadline rather than waiting until the last day.

Excused absentee voting begins Oct. 21

Kentucky voters who qualify for excused, in-person absentee voting can cast their ballots on Oct. 21, 22, 23, 26, 27 or 28.

Excused absentee voting is available to voters who meet certain requirements, including some voters who will be out of their county, people with scheduled surgeries, voters who are in their last trimester of pregnancy, and people who cannot vote in person because of age, disability or illness.

Voters should check with their county clerk or the state’s voter information portal for locations and hours.

No-excuse early voting is Oct. 29-31

Kentucky voters do not need an excuse to vote in person during the state’s three-day no-excuse early voting period.

Early voting will be available Thursday, Oct. 29, Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Locations and hours vary by county and are available through the State Board of Elections’ voter information portal.

Election Day is Nov. 3

The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Voters who are in line at 6 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Voters can check their polling location, view election information and check their registration status through the Kentucky State Board of Elections’ voter information portal.

Mail-in ballots must be received by 6 p.m.

Voters who receive a mail-in absentee ballot must make sure it reaches their county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Election Day for it to be counted.

The State Board of Elections says voters are encouraged not to wait until Election Day to return their ballot.

The bottom line

Kentucky voters have several options for casting a ballot in the Nov. 3 general election, but the deadlines differ depending on how they plan to vote.

Voters can register, check their registration, request an absentee ballot and find voting locations through the Kentucky State Board of Elections.