Those who wish to vote in the November General Election must register to vote by the close of business on Monday, October 4. A postmark of October 4 is also required for all mail-in voter registration applications. Registration books will be closed the following day, so those who are not registered by the deadline will not be able to vote in the upcoming general election.
“If you have not yet registered to vote, I encourage you to do so. If you have questions about whether you are registered to vote or do not know the site of your polling location, you can visit the Voter Information Center (VIC) at www.elect.ky.gov” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
Registration cards are available to print off from that same website. Voters can also obtain polling information and registration cards from their local county clerk.
Kentuckians will have the opportunity on November 2nd to vote for many offices including President of the United State, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representatives, state legislative races, as well as numerous judgeships and local offices.
Secretary Grayson has been visiting schools across the Commonwealth promoting young people’s involvement in the election process. He noted that you can encourage someone to vote no matter your age and hopes that young people will encourage their parents, families, neighbors, and friends to vote in this year’s election.
“It is important for young people to understand that they have a voice in the process as well,” said Grayson. “It is especially important for those students who turn 18 on or before November 2nd to know that they can register to vote for this fall’s election.”
The Office of the Secretary of State is organizing a statewide mock election on October 28, 2004 for all high schools across the Commonwealth. Young people across the nation will participate in the election with results being carried live by CNN.
Secretary Grayson along with Senator Jack Westwood, Representative Tanya Pullin, the Kentucky Department of Education, and the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts will be hosting a “Summit on Civic Literacy” on October 5, 2004 in Erlanger, Kentucky to discuss other ways young people can become involved in civics throughout their Kentucky communities.
Secretary Grayson also noted that his office is stressing the importance of college students, as well as other citizens, applying for absentee ballots if they will be away from their normal polling location on Election Day.
The deadline to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot is seven days prior to the election. All mail-in absentee ballot applications must be received in the county clerk's office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, October 26. Those who will be out of the county all hours the polls are open (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., prevailing time), may vote absentee on a voting machine in the county clerk's office at least 12 working days prior to the election. Please contact your county clerk for more information.
For more election information or for details and registration for the “Summit on Civic Literacy” visit www.kysos.com or call the Office of the Secretary of State at 502-564-3490.