FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky's primary election will be a safe election with absentee voting allowed for all registered voters.

Governor Andy Beshear (D) and Secretary of State Michael Adams (R) announced an agreement Friday on how the state's primary elections, special elections, and local option elections set for June 23, 2020, will take place due to coronavirus.

Beshear signed an Executive Order after receiving a formal letter from Adams on Thursday.

"Today’s Executive Order and regulations that will be created by the Kentucky State Board of Elections will allow all Kentuckians who are registered to vote for the upcoming primary to vote by mail through an absentee ballot,” said Beshear. “While there will be significant education and work required, we are committed to making sure this election will be held in a safe manner while we are in this worldwide health pandemic.”

Adams added, “Voters across the political spectrum will be pleased with this plan to protect both democracy and public health.”  

The State Board of Elections is also working on a plan to safely conduct limited in-person voting and a possible drive-through voting option. Adams says specifics on the application website and the deadline to apply for a ballot will be finalized next week. Ballots must be postmarked before June 23 to count. 

Again, the primary election is June 23 and the deadline to register online to vote is May 26, 2020 no later than 4:00 p.m. local time. For more information on voting, please go to Kentucky 2020 Elections.