Voter Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I register to vote?
A: Call the Election Center 502.574.6100 to request that a registration card be mailed to you or stop by and complete a card when you visit:
- Election Center, 810 Barret Avenue, Room 103
- Any branch office of the County Clerk
- Driver's License Bureau
- Military recruitment offices
- Designated public assistance agencies
For more information about how to register, visit the State Board of Elections web site at: http://elect.ky.gov/.
Q: Who may register to vote?
A: You may register to vote if you are:
- A native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen who is 18 years old by the general election.
- A resident of the state and county at least 28 days before election.
- A convicted felon whose civil rights have been legally restored.
- Any citizen who has not been judged "mentally incompetent" in a court of law.
- Any citizen who does not claim the right to vote outside Kentucky.
Q: When do I need to register to vote?
A: The registration deadline is 29 days before each election. The Primary Election is held the first Tuesday after the third Monday in May; the General Election is held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Q: When do I need to change my party affiliation?
A: December 31st is the deadline each year for changing your political party affiliation to be eligible to vote in your party's primary election the following year.
Q: What if I have special needs at the polls?
A: People who require voting assistance due to temporary/permanent disability or an inability to read English may apply to their County Election Center for a certification of a need for voting assistance. A person may also request voting assistance from someone of their choice or two election officers at the polls. A person may not be assisted by their employer, his/her agent, a union officer or agent of that voter's union.
Q: If I move, will my polling location change?
A: Possibly. Make sure you change your address with the Election Center so you can vote in your correct polling location on Election Day.
Q: Where is my polling location?
A: To find your voting location visit www.Lojic.org/apps/voter/index.cfm or you may call the Election Center at 574-6100. Avoid the last minute rush on Election Day. Find your polling location today.
A: Proper forms of identification are: Drivers license, voter identification card, credit card, social security card, personal acquaintance of a poll worker or other personal identification.
Note: Oath of Voter form is no longer used as an acceptable form of identification.
Q: What if I will be out of town on Election Day?
A: Voters who will be outside the county on Election Day may vote in person at the Election Center, 810 Barret Avenue, Room 103, at least 30 days before the election. For more information visit Absentee Ballot Voting (PDF).
Q: What are the reasons a person may be able to vote absentee by mail?
A: Kentucky law allows mailing an absentee ballot for these reasons:
- Person who due to age, disability, or illness will be unable to go to the polls on election day.
- Student who temporarily resides outside the county in which he/she is registered.
- Voter who temporarily resides outside the state but who is still eligible to vote in this state.
- Person incarcerated in jail who has been charged with a crime but has yet to be convicted of the crime.
- Person whose employment location requires him/her to be absent from the county all hours and all days absentee voting by machine is conducted.
- Military personnel confined to a military base on Election Day.
- Residents of Kentucky and their dependents that are members of the Armed Forces.
- Kentucky citizens residing overseas.
Q: What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot application?
A: The deadline to return the official "Application for Absentee Ballot" is seven (7) days before an election. You may request an application from the Election Center or the County Clerk's offices in person or by mail, fax, phone or e-mail RZena@JeffersonCountyClerk.org or call 502.574.6100 for more information.
Q: What time do the polls open and close on Election Day?
A: The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Q: How is it possible for a 17-year-old to register and vote in a primary election?
A: When their 18th birthday is after the primary election but on or before the date of the general election.
Q: If a person registers as an independent or with no party preference, can that person vote for anyone they want to in the primary election?
A: No. Kentucky has a closed primary system. The non-partisan registered voter may only vote for non-partisan driven races or issues in the primary election.
Q: Do voters have to re-register before every election?
A: No. Only if the voters have moved, have had a name change, and/or wishes to change their political party affiliation.
Q: What if a voter needs a ride to the polls on Election Day?
A: Voters should contact their political party headquarters for additional information. Republican Headquarters telephone number is 502.584.7111 and Democratic Headquarters telephone number is 502.582.1999.
Q: What happens in Kentucky elections if there is a tie?
A: It is settled by lot, the method is determined by members of the County Board of Elections.
Voter Representation
Who represents me?
View the list of your Federal, State and Local Officials and a List of Officials in your second through sixth class cities in PDF format.
For more information about voting in Kentucky, Visit the State Board of Elections web site at: http://elect.ky.gov/
To find your polling location in Jefferson County, please follow this link:
www.lojic.org/apps/voter/index.cfm.
© 2008 Jefferson County Clerk’s Office