Election Day is soon. Everything you need to know about voting in Kentucky

Election Day is right around the corner, with plenty of high-profile races on the ballot this year. Are you ready to vote?

Louisville residents will choose their new mayor, and parents will get a chance to pick the next Jefferson County Public Schools board members. Meanwhile, abortion access across Kentucky is on the line with a vote for Constitutional Amendment 2, which would establish no protected right to abortion if passed.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect if you’re heading to the polls in November.

When are the 2022 midterm elections in Kentucky?

Election Day for Kentucky (and the rest of the country) is Nov. 8, 2022. The polls will be open in the Bluegrass State from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Know your rights:A guide to voter rights in Kentucky. What you need to know before you cast a ballot

What if I can’t vote on Nov. 8?

Out of the state on Nov. 8? You have a few options to make your voice heard.

Absentee voting by mail is one option, but you’ll need to act soon. If you meet any absentee voting requirements (such as temporarily living outside of Kentucky) be sure to register online before Oct. 25 on the state’s Board of Elections website to receive your ballot. If you meet the requirements for absentee voting apply for a ballot online through the state’s online portal — https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb/.

And, heads up, your vote must be received before Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. to be counted. Ballots can be dropped at the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center or in any of the seven polling places for no-excuse early voting.

No-excuse early voting will be available from Nov. 3 to 5 for anybody that is registered to vote. Here are the locations of those polling stations, which will be open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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Excused in-person absentee voting, is open from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2 (except on Saturday and Sunday). This option is aimed at people who have medical, employment or residential exceptions and will not be able to vote on Nov. 8. The full list of excused early voting qualifications is listed on the state’s Board of Elections website. To apply for this option, contact your local county clerk.

Where do I vote?

Polling locations in Louisville can be found on the Jefferson County Clerk’s website. Bullitt County residents can find their polling locations on their county clerk’s website as well,

Oldham County residents, meanwhile, can vote at any of the following polling locations:

How do I know if I’m registered to vote in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s Board of Elections website has a page where you can check. You’ll be asked to provide your name, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If there is no record of your registration or if you have not received a confirmation card but are sure you registered before the Oct. 11 deadline, contact your county clerk.

Can I see a Kentucky sample ballot?

There is not one sample ballot that applies for all of Kentucky, because each county has is own local races. But the Kentucky Secretary of State website has a portal that will show your your ballot if you enter your address.

Who is on the ballot in Kentucky?

Races on the ballot this year in Kentucky include:

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Do I have to vote for the party I’m registered with?

Unlike Kentucky’s primary elections, which are only open to voters who are registered supporters of specific parties, the general election is open to voters of all parties, including independents. And you can vote for whomever you wish.

Who is on the ballot in Louisville?

Races on the ballot in Louisville include:

What else is on the ballot?

Two potential amendments to the state constitution are also on the ballot.

The first one covers potential changes to sections of the constitution as it pertains to the General Assembly. Constitutional Amendment 1 proposes allowing legislators to call special sessions themselves and let the legislature extend regular sessions so they can end later in the year.

Constitutional Amendment 2, meanwhile, would eliminate the right to abortion in Kentucky if passed, while leaving open the possibility that abortion could be declared a state right if it is not passed.

The vote comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade over the summer, establishing abortion access as an issue left up to states.

Related:After decisive Kansas vote, Kentucky voters will get their say in abortion’s future

Do I need an ID to vote in Kentucky?

Voters are required to provide some type of personal identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include:

If you do not have any of these, you may request a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present any of the following:

Where do I report problems at the polls in Kentucky?

Kentuckians who witness potential election irregularities or election law violations are encouraged to call 800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683).

The hotline is open during regular business hours and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Eastern time) on Election Day.

We want to know what you’re seeing at the polls, too. Contact The Courier Journal at lounews@courierjournal.com.

The state’s Board of Elections can answer additional questions about voting at (502) 573-7100.

More:5 takeaways from the 2022 Kentucky primary election. (Hint: The first one is ‘money wins’)

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky midterm elections: Voter guide for the 2022 election