Boone County voters can cast ballots starting Thursday, Oct. 29, without needing an excuse, as Kentucky's three-day early voting window opens ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. Hours vary by day: Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Link NKY.
For the May primary, the Boone County Clerk's office designated two early voting sites: the Boone County Enrichment Center at 1824 Patrick Drive in Burlington and the Boone County Extension Office at 7111 Dixie Highway in Florence. Voters should confirm general election locations through the Secretary of State's voter portal or by calling the clerk's Burlington office at 859-334-2108 or the Florence office at 859-495-2865.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at assigned precinct locations.
The ballot is long. Boone County voters will pick a U.S. senator, a 4th Congressional District representative, a county judge/executive, county commissioners in two districts, and local city leaders, according to the general election ballot published by Boone County Clerk Justin Crigler.
As we reported Oct. 19, the local ballot is packed with contested races. In Florence, Julie Metzger Aubuchon faces David Rose for mayor, and 12 candidates are competing for six city council seats. In Union, Chris Courtney and John J. Mefford are running for mayor, with five candidates seeking four commissioner seats.
The county judge/executive race pits Republican Chet Hand against independent Timothy Dean Johnson. County Commissioner District 1 features Republican Cathy Hudson Flaig against Democrat Debra Waller. District 2 has Republican John Schickel against Democrat Lianna Simpson Nguyen.
Statewide, voters will choose a U.S. senator to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell. Republican Andy Barr, Democrat Charles Booker and Kentucky Party candidate Christopher Campbell are on the ballot. The 4th Congressional District race features Republican Ed Gallrein, Democrat Melissa Claire Strange and Libertarian Jeremy Todd.
Constitutional Amendment 1 also appears on every Boone County ballot. It would prohibit a governor from granting pardons or commuting sentences during the period beginning 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the fifth Tuesday after that election.
Fayette County Clerk Susan Lamb urged voters statewide to study their sample ballots before heading to the polls. "Reviewing your sample ballot before you head to the polls will save you and everyone time in line," Lamb told Kentucky Today.
Voters should bring an accepted photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, a government-issued ID, a U.S. college student ID or military identification, according to the Link NKY's voter FAQ.
Sample ballots are available through the Secretary of State's voter portal or the Boone County Clerk's website at boonecountyclerk.ky.gov.
