KENTUCKY, USA — If you are ready to cast your ballot in this year’s election, here’s a rundown of things you can and can’t do while at the polls.
Are ballot selfies acceptable?
In this election and with previous ones, voters love showing proof of fulfilling their civic duty on social media. Kentucky law does allow selfies to be taken at the polls, as long as it’s of yourself and your ballot, and not interfering with others. You cannot use your selfie to solicit signatures or votes while at the polls. “Ballot selfies” in Kentucky were first approved in 2016.
Can I wear political items supporting my candidate at the polls?
It could be dicey, according to Kentucky’s electioneering laws. Electioneering is the activity of persuading people to vote for a particular candidate or party.
According to KRS 117.235 (3), No person shall electioneer at any polling place that is being used as a voting location the day of any election or within 100 feet of any entrance to a building which voting is being conducted.
WHAS11 spoke with Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams via X regarding the political clothing while voting and he responded, “Voters can wear political attire.”
Can my job allow me time to vote?
Yes. Employers must allow their employees up to four hours to vote, to apply for an absentee ballot and to serve or train to be an election officers, according to KRS 118.035. However, your employer can specify the hours you can leave to cast your ballot.
If I'm having trouble reading the ballot, can I receive assistance?
The State Board of Elections confirms voters can receive assistance if they are blind, have a physical disability or have an inability to read English. The person assisting you can be someone of your choosing or two precinct election judges -- it can't be your employer, an agent of your employer or an officer or agent of the voter's union.
Can I take my time in the voting booth?
It depends. Some lines could be long because of the popularity of this election. You can occupy the voting booth for up to four minutes if others are waiting in line.
Can I vote for different party even though I registered differently?
Yes. In the general election, you can vote for candidates of any party.
What if I have issues trying to vote?
If your name doesn't appear on that precinct’s roster and your registration status can't be determined by the precinct officer, you can request a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is a paper ballot cast for federal races in the assigned precinct for the voter's address, according to the State Board of Elections.
If I'm a last-minute voter and get to the polls a minute before they close, can I still vote?
Absolutely. If you are in line before the 6 p.m. deadline, you can still cast your ballot.
If a friend or relative can't make it to vote, can I cast a ballot for them?
No. Under state and federal law, it is a crime to impersonate another person to vote or attempt to vote; vote under a false name; try to vote more than once in the same election.
If you are having issues at the polls, you can talk with the precinct officers, the Jefferson County Clerk's Office, the Kentucky State Board of Elections (502) 573-7100 or the Attorney General's Election Fraud Hotline at (800) 328-8683.
Election Day voting in Kentucky is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To check your polling locations in Louisville or statewide.
TARC is offering free rides to polling locations, here's more information.
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