By BERRY CRAIG
AFT Local 1360
You want to vote but you're concerned you might catch COVID 19--or give the virus to somebody else--at your regular polling place.
Don't worry. You can cast a ballot for the Nov. 3 election three ways.
First, registered voters worried about getting or spreading the coronavirus can go online right now to GoVoteKY.com and apply for a mail-in ballot through a special portal. (At GoVoteKY.com you can also register to vote or check your registration status. Oct. 5 is the last day for registering for the Nov. 3 election.)
The portal will be open through 11:59 p.m. (EST) Oct. 9. Remember, to be counted, mail-in in ballots must be postmarked by election day and received by Nov. 6.
Meanwhile, a lot of voters are justifiably concerned about the widespread postal delays that have been in the news. So mail in your ballots as quickly as possible. (If you’re anxious that your ballot might arrive too late to be counted, you can deposit it in secure drop boxes which will be stationed in your county.)
Second, early in-person voting starts Oct. 13 and will continue Mondays through Fridays through Nov. 3 (and every Saturday during the period for at least four hours). County clerks will designate safe places for voting in person.
It’s important to note that early voting isn’t the same as absentee voting. You don’t have to have a reason to vote early.
Third, you can vote on election day, but not exactly like always. County election officials will decide special election day polling places for Nov. 3--subject to approval by the Kentucky Board of Elections, Gov. Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams.
Additionally, each county will open at least one voting "super-center" on election day where everybody who resides in the county can cast a ballot.
Finally, don't forget that you must have a driver's license or other valid photo ID to vote. If you could not get a driver's license or photo ID because your clerk's office was closed as a result of the pandemic or because you were afraid you might expose yourself to the virus, you can sign a document stating your situation and vote.