There are a lot of dates to remember for the 2026 election in Kentucky. Photo provided | Phil Scroggs via Unsplash

The window to request a mail-in absentee ballot has officially closed, but the more noteworthy Election Day news is that in-person absentee voting is now open. 

If you’re from Kentucky, you may be used to this, but if you’re new to the area or just aren’t up on the election process, there’s a lot to double check before you show up to vote early.

In short: If you have a reason for why you need to vote early, you can fill out an absentee ballot in person during specific dates (that’s called excused in-person absentee voting); if you don’t have one, you can still fill out an absentee ballot in person but it has to be during a later time period that’s closer to Election Day (that’s called non excused in-person absentee voting). 

Those with an explanation for why they cannot vote in person on Election Day or during no-excuse early voting window are allowed to fill out an in-person excused absentee ballot. If you have an eligible excuse (click here for a full list), you can go to your county board of elections or another county-designated location from May 6 to May 8 or from May 11 to 13. Hours for each county are listed below, along with specific locations by county.  

Any registered voter can participate in in-person, no excuse absentee voting May 14, 15 and 16 at their county board of elections or other county-designated locations. Voters do not need to have a reason for voting early in this case, but hours vary by county and location, so double check before you head out. 

There is no voting on May 18, the day before the election. 

Not sure if you’re eligible for excused in-person voting? Generally, you must be registered to vote and unable to vote on election day or the days identified as no-excuse in-person absentee voting (click here for more information).  

These are the locations and hours for early voting in NKY (Don’t forget to bring your ID!):

Boone County

Hours: In-person excused absentee voting (May 6-8 and May 11-13) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Tuesday, May 12, when hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in person non excused voting hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16. 

  • For excused in-person absentee voting:
    • Boone County administration building: 2950 Washington St. in Burlington
  • For no excuse in-person absentee voting:
    • Boone County Enrichment Center: 1824 Patrick Drive in Burlington
    • Boone County Extension Office: 7111 Dixie Highway in Florence

Campbell County

Hours: Open for excused in-person voting (May 6-8 and May 11-13) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For no excuse in-person voting (May 14-16) hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

  • Campbell County administration building: 1098 Monmouth St. in Newport
  • Cold Spring First Baptist Church: 4410 Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring
  • Southern Campbell firehouse: 1050 Race Track Road in Alexandria 

Kenton County

Hours:  Open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for excused, non excused in person absentee voting

  • Kenton County Public Library: 502 Scott St. in Covington
  • Independence senior center: 2001 Jackwoods Parkway in Independence
  • Kenton County government center: 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington
  • Lakeside Christian Church: 195 Buttermilk Pike in Lakeside Park
  • Kenton County Public Library’s Latonia branch: 3911 Winston Ave. in Covington
  • St. Barbara Event Center: 4042 Turkeyfoot Road in Erlanger 

Phew. Got all that?

If not, you’re not alone. Email news@linknky.com if you have a question and we’ll get right back to you! 

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