Kentucky

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Kentucky requests photo ID to vote in person. Check below for your options! You must provide a copy of an accepted photo ID when you apply for an absentee ballot.

1 Check ID Rules

Voting in Person

Kentucky requests photo ID to vote in person. You can vote without a photo ID if you sign a Voter Affirmation form and present a supporting form of ID.

Accepted IDs

Show one of these photo IDs to vote a regular ballot:
Ok if expired

  • ID issued by United States, Kentucky, or local government
  • Student ID issued by higher education institution located in United States
  • Military identification issued by Kentucky National Guard, US Military, or Merchant Marines

Reasonable Impediment

If you do not have one of the photo IDs listed above, you can still cast a regular ballot if you qualify for a reasonable impediment exception.

A “reasonable impediment” is something you can’t control that stops you from getting an accepted photo ID. 

Kentucky accepts the following reasons:

  • lack of transportation
  • lack of birth certificate (or other necessary documents)
  • conflict with your work schedule
  • photo ID was lost or stolen
  • disability or illness
  • family responsibilities
  • applied for photo ID but haven’t received it
  • religious objection to being photographed

You must:

1️⃣ Present one supporting form of ID:

  • Social Security card
  • ID issued by Kentucky county and approved by State Board of Elections
  • Other ID with your name and photo
  • EBT, food stamps, or SNAP card issued by Kentucky

2️⃣ Ask to complete and sign a Voter Affirmation form.

Voting by Mail

Absentee ballots in Kentucky are only for some voters. 

Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:

  • Temporarily living outside of Kentucky
  • Disability or illness
  • Living away from your county due to school

Learn more information here! [link Vote section]

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Kentucky?

Kentucky voters who do not present an accepted photo ID at the polls have three options:

Qualify for a Reasonable Impediment Exception

This option is for voters who don’t have and can’t reasonably get an accepted form of photo ID:

  • Bring a supporting ID with you
  • Tell the poll worker that you don’t have a photo ID and could not get one
  • Complete and sign a Voter Affirmation form
  • Vote a regular ballot

A “reasonable impediment” is something you can’t control that stops you from getting an accepted photo ID.

Kentucky accepts the following reasons:

  • lack of transportation
  • lack of birth certificate (or other necessary documents)
  • conflict with your work schedule
  • photo ID was lost or stolen
  • disability or illness
  • family responsibilities
  • applied for photo ID but haven’t received it
  • religious objection to being photographed

Election Official Confirms Identity

Your identity can be confirmed by personal acquaintance with an election official. They must sign an affirmation verifying your identity.

Vote a Provisional Ballot for Federal Offices

If you can’t present an accepted ID or confirm your identity another way, you can cast a provisional ballot for any federal office on the ballot. Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.

You must sign an affirmation that you are registered and eligible to vote.

Learn more here!  (link to “Vote” section)  

Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Kentucky?
You must present a physical ID to vote in Kentucky. You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when you are voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Kentucky?

Not answered

Can you fix your absentee ballot if it is rejected?

You must be notified if your ballot is missing your signature or if the signature on it does not match your signature in state records.

You can correct issues with your ballot if you are able to resubmit it before polls close on Election Day.

Who can vote absentee in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.

The following reasons are accepted:

  • You are temporarily living out of state but still eligible to vote in Kentucky.
  • You are a student temporarily residing outside their county.
  • You are incarcerated but not yet convicted of a crime.
  • You can’t vote in person on Election Day or during early voting due to your work location.
  • You aren’t able to vote in person due to age, illness, or disability.
  • You are serving in the military (including spouse and dependents) or living overseas.
  • You move to a different state after the voter registration deadline (only allowed to vote for President and Vice President).
  • You are participating in the Secretary of State’s crime victim address confidentiality protection program.

Request your absentee ballot using the state’s online portal.