KWC Votes 2020

Be ready for the 2020 election.

Welcome to the Wesleyan Votes! website. This page is intended to help Wesleyan students engage in our democracy by registering to vote and casting their ballots in upcoming elections.

Important Dates and Upcoming Events:

  • National Voter Registration Day: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
  • Last Day to Register to Vote*: Monday, October 5, 2020
  • Last Day to Request an Absentee/Mail In Ballot*: Friday, October 9, 2020
  • Early Voting*: Tuesday, October 13 – Monday, November 2, 2020
  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

*These dates are specific to Kentucky Election policies — dates may vary from state to state

Check information and important dates for all 50 states HERE

Voter FAQ: Guide to Registering and Voting

  • When is the voter registration deadline? 

    • The deadline in Kentucky to register to vote or update an existing registration for the November 3, 2020 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2020. Not sure if you’re registered? Check your registration HERE

 

  • When is election day?

 

  • Am I eligible to vote in Kentucky?

    • If you are a Kentucky Wesleyan student, you may claim residency in Kentucky. To register to vote in Kentucky, you must:

      • Be a U.S. citizen and a Kentucky resident for at least 28 days before the election. 
      • Be at least 18 years old by the next General Election.     
      • Not be a convicted felon, or else have had your civil rights restored.
      • Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent and had voting rights removed.
      • Not claim the right to vote outside Kentucky.

     

 

  • Can I vote in Owensboro if I’m not from Owensboro? 

    • Yes! If you register here, you can vote here! Submit a voter registration form with your local address by October 5 deadline.  You can register to vote online at the Kentucky Voter Information Portal or submit a paper registration form to the County Clerk’s office.  You can get a printed copy of the registration form in the Student Life Office in Winchester.

 

  • How can I vote in my hometown as a student?

    • To vote in your hometown, fill out and submit your registration with that address. You will then need to request an absentee ballot. If you are from out-of-state, be sure to check your state’s Department of Elections rules and deadlines for registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot. Rock the Vote also has a useful resource for looking up individual state information.

 

  • How can I see if I’m already registered?

    • Look yourself up! Check your voter registration status HERE.

 

  • What address do I use to register?

    • You must use your full physical address to register.

      So, if you are living on campus in a residence hall and want to register at Kentucky Wesleyan then you need to put the Kentucky Wesleyan address on your voter registration form (see example registration below): 

           3000 Frederica Street
           Owensboro, KY 42301

    • If you live off-campus, use the mailing address of that residence.

      You may also prefer to register in your hometown and vote absentee. If you want to vote absentee you will register at your home address. You should request an absentee ballot be sent to your Owensboro address. You can request your absentee ballots here.

 

  • I have moved. Do I need to register again?

    • YES. You will need to update your voter registration. If you are a Kentucky resident, you can do it on the Kentucky Voter Information Portal. 

      If you are an out-of-state student, you can look up your information here.

 

  • How do I fill out the voter registration form adequately?

    • The most important piece of advice we can give you is to write LEGIBLY and include your FULL social security number. Make sure you fully complete and sign the form. If you have any questions, we are here to help, so come to the Student Life office and we can help!

 

  • Can I vote absentee? What’s the deadline?

    • In Kentucky, the deadline to apply online for an absentee ballot is October 9, 2020 no later than 10:59 p.m. CST.

      Absentee ballots should be requested as far in advance as possible to allow time for the local elections office to mail the ballot to the voter and for the voter to complete and return the ballot. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the correct registrar’s office before the close of the polls on Election Day.

      NEW in 2020: Any absentee ballots that arrive to the registrar’s office by noon on the third day after the election, that is postmarked on or before election day, will be counted.

      If you are a Kentucky resident, you can apply for an absentee ballot online through the Kentucky Voter Information Portal. If you are an out-of-state student, be sure to check your state’s deadlines and rules. 

      NEW FOR 2020: Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election. 

      Following the processing of your absentee voting application, you will receive your ballot in the mail. You may receive a notice along with your ballot explaining that you have to provide a copy of one of the following types of identification:

      1. current and valid photo ID (Driver’s License)
      2. utility bill, government check, or paycheck that shows your name and address
      3. another government document which shows your name and address.

      If you are notified that you must submit one of these federal ID requirements, and fail to do so, your ballot will be considered a provisional ballot and your vote will not be counted until a copy of one of the ID requirements is provided.

 

  • Where is my voting location?

    • If you have registered in Kentucky, check your polling location HERE.

 

  • What identification do I need to vote?

    • A Student ID may be used to vote in Kentucky! 

      In-person voters must show an acceptable type of ID at the polls. Voters may show any one of a number of documents, including:

      Driver’s License 
      Military ID
      College ID
      Kentucky Government ID

      If you don’t have a photo ID, you may obtain a free photo ID card at your credit circuit clerk’s office or one of the Kentucky Cabinet’s regional offices.