As summer ends and fall begins, election day approaches us with full force. Without a doubt, November 7 is a day that will determine the economic and social course of our state for several years, and it is vital that each of us that are able participate in one of our nation’s oldest yet most important practices.
In recent years, elections have changed in the commonwealth. Several areas have opted for voting centers rather than the traditional precincts, in an effort to make voting more convenient and address shortages in poll workers and other volunteers. Voting centers basically mean that no matter where you live in the county, you vote in one central location. Other areas continue the age-old practice of having a voting center in each county precinct. No matter how your county has elected to hold its elections, there are easy solutions to finding out where you must go to cast your vote.
The State Board of Elections has prepared a webpage that has a county-by-county breakdown of every voting location, complete with addresses. To access this page, visit elect.ky.gov, or press here. Additional resources are also available locally. If you have any questions, I suggest reaching out to the county clerk’s office for any updated information regarding election locations.
A silver lining from the COVID-19 pandemic was our increased access to voting as a whole. Since the pandemic, we have made strides in expanding voting availability. This year, an online portal to request a mail-in absentee ballot was made available on September 23 and will be operational through October 24. It can be accessed through https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/
If you would rather go in person to vote, but you don’t have time on November 7, there are several dates available to you as well. October 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, and November 1 are dates we have set aside for in-person, excused absentee voting. For in-person, no excuse absentee voting, you have access to a voting center in your county on November 2, November 3, and November 4. To find out when and where in-person, excused absentee voting will take place in the county, please visit the State Board of Elections website at: govote.ky.gov.
With so many options to consider, it is almost harder not to vote. Taking part in this incredibly important process is vital in ensuring that our voices are heard. Voting is a fundamental cornerstone of our nation, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and influence the direction of their society. When we participate in elections, we contribute to a collective decision-making process that helps shape policies, laws, and life as we know it. It's a way for us to hold other elected officials accountable and ensure that the government reflects our values and priorities. By engaging in the electoral process, citizens can work towards a more inclusive, just, and fair society, advocating for the changes we believe will improve our communities.
As always, I can be reached at home anytime or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Amy.Neighbors@lrc.ky.gov. You can also keep track of interim committee meetings through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at legislature.ky.gov.
