FRANKFORT, Ky.  – The Democratic governor and the Republican secretary of state have reached an agreement on how Kentucky's November general election will be carried out.

Gov. Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams announced a bipartisan plan Friday that will allow Kentuckians to exercise their right to vote while protecting their health during the pandemic. 

“Secretary Adams and I were able to put partisanship aside and develop a plan for the General Election that puts the health and safety of Kentuckians first,” Gov. Beshear said. “This plan provides more time and options to vote in this General Election than ever before.”

“Gov. Beshear and I worked together across the partisan divide to fashion election rules that are fair to every voter regardless of party,” Secretary Adams said. “We kept the best of what worked in the June primary, especially giving voters options to safely cast their votes, and we built on that record with improvements – more in-person voting locations, and faster election results.”

Now that a plan is in place, the next few weeks will be spent educating everyone in the state about what they can expect in November. Voters will have several options on how to cast their ballots. You will just need to choose the one that works best for you and your situation.

Details of the plan include:

• Kentuckians concerned with contracting or spreading COVID-19 can request a ballot by mail.
• An online portal will launch within the week to allow Kentuckians to request a ballot by mail. Ballots can be requested through the portal through Oct. 9, and through traditional means after.
• Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, and received by Nov. 6.
• Drop boxes will be available for Kentuckians to return their mail ballots if they are concerned about postal delays. County clerks will determine these locations.

Early Voting

• Beginning Oct. 13, three weeks before the election, every workday between Oct. 13 and Election Day, and every Saturday for at least four hours, every county clerk will provide a location for safe in-person voting.
• Early voting is not absentee voting – anyone can vote early for any reason.

Election Day Voting

• County election officials will decide election sites on Election Day. The State Board of Elections, Secretary of State, and Governor will approve each plan.
• Every county will have at least one voting super-center, where everyone from the county can go to vote, regardless of his or her precinct.

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.

Secretary Adams sent over his formal proposal Friday, and Gov. Beshear signed an Executive Order outlining the General Election procedures. The General Election will take place on Nov. 3, 2020.

Kentuck's primary election in June was praised nationwide as a model of success. Kentucky saw a near-record turnout.

For more information about the 2020 election, please go to our special section.