2026 Kentucky Elections
Key 2026 state and federal election dates for Kentucky, plus voter registration and absentee resources.
Next election in Kentucky
General Election
- In-person early voting
- October 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
- Kentucky offers in-person early voting for 3 days including the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Election Day, plus excused in-person absentee voting starting up to 10 days before.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- October 5, 2026
- Voter registration closes 29 days before the election; Kentucky has no same-day registration.
- Absentee ballot request (excuse required)
- October 27, 2026
- A valid excuse is generally required for a mailed absentee ballot, with applications due about a week before Election Day.
- Mail ballot return
- Must be received by November 3, 2026
- Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. on Election Day.
Key dates
State & Federal Elections
Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from Kentucky's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow detailsHide details
- In-person early voting
- May 9, 2026 – May 18, 2026
- Kentucky offers in-person early voting for 3 days including the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Election Day, plus excused in-person absentee voting starting up to 10 days before.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- April 20, 2026
- Voter registration closes 29 days before the election; Kentucky has no same-day registration.
- Absentee ballot request (excuse required)
- May 12, 2026
- A valid excuse is generally required for a mailed absentee ballot, with applications due about a week before Election Day.
- Mail ballot return
- Must be received by May 19, 2026
- Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. on Election Day.
- 22 days away
General Election
NOV032026Tuesday- In-person early voting
- October 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
- Kentucky offers in-person early voting for 3 days including the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Election Day, plus excused in-person absentee voting starting up to 10 days before.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
- Voter registration deadline
- October 5, 2026
- Voter registration closes 29 days before the election; Kentucky has no same-day registration.
- Absentee ballot request (excuse required)
- October 27, 2026
- A valid excuse is generally required for a mailed absentee ballot, with applications due about a week before Election Day.
- Mail ballot return
- Must be received by November 3, 2026
- Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. on Election Day.
Official voter lookup
Find Your Polling Place in Kentucky
Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in Kentucky
By jurisdiction
Local Elections
Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your Kentucky elections office.
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Voter Tools
Boots on the ground
Kentucky Family Policy Council
The Family Foundation
David Walls, Executive Director
- Address
- PO Box 911111, Lexington, KY 40591
- Phone
- 859-255-5400
The Family Foundation is an independent Family Policy Alliance state ally working on legislation, voter education, and family policy in Kentucky.
Know the platforms
National Party & Platform Info
Dates are subject to change. Always confirm with official state and county election sources. Back to state directory