LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The deadline to apply online for an absentee ballot is Oct. 9, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST. A voter can still choose to vote in-person or by absentee ballot; however, in-person voting is for those who feel safe to do so. Voters who are concerned about contracting or spreading COVID-19 can request an absentee ballot, but absentee ballots are also meant for other reasons, such as being active military.

“Anybody who has any even connection to somebody who has a health risk related to the virus, they should file for an absentee ballot,” said Vice President of Kentucky’s League of Women Voters, Dee Pregliasco. She has already requested her absentee ballot given her own husband’s health conditions.

Requesting an absentee ballot online is easy and can be done directly online. Make sure to have your social security number on you beforehand.

The entire process is five steps and takes less than 90 seconds. Also, make sure you double-check that personal information like full name and address match your voter registration. 

If a voter misses the October deadline to request an absentee ballot, then they can still vote in-person.

According to the Kentucky Voter Information website, absentee ballots won’t be mailed until mid-to-late September.

To make absentee voting easier this time around, the directions on how to properly cast an absentee ballot received a facelift. The Kentucky 2020 primary’s text-heavy instructions have now have fewer words and more visual instructions.

And to reduce the rejected number of ballots, any absentee ballot discrepancy can be fixed by one’s local county clerk’s office to be ultimately accepted and counted.

No matter if someone votes in-person or by absentee ballot, Pregliasco said it’s important to just vote because each ballot counts. Pregliasco said that was proved by the passage of the 19th Amendment 100 years ago, which gave women the right to vote.

“The ratification by Tennessee, which put it over the edge…One vote. So yes, every vote counts,” Pregliasco told Spectrum News 1.

• Absentee ballot request deadline: Oct. 9, 2020
• Early voting begins: Oct. 13, 2020
• General Election Date: Nov. 3, 2020

It’s important to note that regarding voter identification, “Kentuckians who were unable to get a driver’s licenses or photo ID due to the pandemic because their clerk’s office was closed, or because they were afraid of exposing themselves to COVID-19, can sign a document explaining this concern and cast their ballot,” according to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.

Resources, like information on restoring their right to vote and registering, are also available for citizens with prior nonviolent felony convictions online or by calling 502-782-9731.

The Kentucky League of Women Voters can also help with the process and are available at KENTUCKYLWV@gmail.com or 502-875-6481.

For links and information about Kentucky's general election please visit our 2020 Elections section.