Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia allow no-excuse early voting, but Kentucky isn't one of them. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says early voting has its advantages."As you see in other states, the participation is raised," says Grimes. "I, as chief advocate of public engagement, am in favor of making all eligible Kentuckians' voices heard and believe it's worth exploring with members of our General Assembly who set our election law. But we've got to keep in mind our county clerks. We don't want to put an unfunded mandate on them."
Right now, Kentucky only allows absentee voting with a valid excuse such as age, disability, military service, or a work-related excuse. The commonwealth is surrounded by states that offer no-excuse early voting, and Secretary Grimes supports having the General Assembly consider changing state law. Opponents fear the impact early voting could have on the integrity of elections.