Gov. Beshear: Early Voting is Open for Kentuckians Now Through Saturday

Kentuckians can visit GoVote.ky.gov for locations
and hours of no excuse, in-person voting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local leaders at Lexington City Hall to highlight that no excuse, in-person early voting opens today, Thursday, Nov. 2, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 4.

The Governor, who voted early today in Frankfort with First Lady Britainy Beshear, shared that Kentuckians can find their early voting county locations and hours by visiting GoVote.ky.gov and clicking on polling locations.

“This morning, Britainy and I got up and voted early in our home county and the process was quick and easy,” said Gov. Beshear. “I believe voting is the bedrock principle of our society and I am proud of the bipartisan steps we’ve taken to preserve and protect every Kentuckian’s right to make their voice heard. I encourage everyone to visit GoVote.ky.gov and make a plan to vote early through Saturday, or on Election Day on Nov. 7. And remember, wherever you vote, make sure to thank our dedicated poll workers.”

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots and Election Day polling locations can also be found at GoVote.ky.gov.

The Governor was joined by Fayette County Clerk Susan Lamb, who said, “The goal today is to encourage people to come out and vote early. Early voting is so important and allows voters to not have to stand in a long line to cast their ballot and make their voice heard.”

“Early voting is a use-it-or-lose-it proposition,” said At-Large Council Member and Vice Mayor of Lexington Dan Wu. “Let’s make sure early voting isn’t a privilege that can be taken away, but a right for all Kentuckians.”

Also in attendance was Senator Reggie Thomas of Fayette County, who also highlighted the benefits of early voting: “The right to vote is reflected in the foundation of our country – that is, we all have the right to engage in the pursuit of happiness. This is enshrined in our call for independence, and it is a direct recognition of our right to vote and self-determination.”

Sharon Stewart, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Lexington also attended today’s event.

Early voting was made possible by bipartisan legislation the Governor signed in 2021 which made it easier for Kentuckians to vote. In addition to allowing early voting, House Bill 574 also increased security measures to preserve election integrity, created an online portal for absentee ballot requests, established recount procedures and required voting machines to create a paper trail of cast votes.

This legislation built on the Governor’s steps to protect and expand the right to vote in the commonwealth. On his third day in office, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order restoring voting rights to Kentuckians who completed their sentences for nonviolent offenses. Since that action, over 190,000 Kentuckians have had their voting rights restored. For a copy of the executive order, click here.