It’s that time again. Political discussion is filling both offices and homes as the heated Presidential debates clearly demonstrate that the month of October is “crunch time” for this term’s candidates. October is also “crunch time” for this state’s voters. Whether you’re a first-time voter, have recently moved to Kentucky, or a long-time resident, the attorneys at Skeeter’s, Bennett, Wilson, and Humphrey want to ensure you are able to exercise your right in the Bluegrass State.
Here are the fast facts you need to know in order to register to vote:
What is required to vote?
To register to vote, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be a Kentucky resident by October 11
- Be 18 years old before Election Day, November 8
- Not have been convicted of a felony (unless your rights have been restored by an executive pardon)
- Not currently be judged incompetent by a court
- Not claim the right to vote in another state
How can I register to vote?
There are three methods to choose from:
- Online- To register online, you will need your Kentucky driver’s license or personal ID card number, and your Social Security number. Click this link to get started: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/.
*Note- In order to be eligible to vote in the November 8, 2016, general election, you must submit your registration application by 4:00 p.m, local time, on October 11, 2016.
- In Person- You may obtain a voter registration form at your county clerk’s office. Fill out this form, providing all necessary forms of identification (listed above), and submit the form to the same office by October 11th.
- By Mail- Download and print the Kentucky state voter registration form by clicking this link (http://elect.ky.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Register%20to%20Vote/Kentucky%20Voter%20Registration%20Card.pdf) Fill out the form and send to the following address by October 11, 2016:
State Board of Elections
140 Walnut Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Don’t forget, Election Day is November 8, 2016! Early voting will begin October 21 and end November 7. You must be overseas military personnel (or a dependent), military personnel confined to your base, or a resident who is out of your county on Election Day to qualify. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time on Election Day. You must be in line at your polling station by 6:00 p.m. in order to vote.
Do you think you are registered but want to be 100% certain? Go to the Kentucky State Board of Elections website to find out, https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic/.
Dustin joined the SBW&H team in 2010, coming to us from one of the oldest firms in Cincinnati. He earned his undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University, summa cum laude, and his law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, where he graduated cum laude. Dustin’s law practice includes personal injury law, medical malpractice law, business law including corporations, LLCs and business planning, real estate law, probate law, estate planning, employment law, and family law.