2026 General Election: Important Dates and Voter Information

The 2026 General Election cycle is in full swing! As Election Day approaches, I want to remind Warren County voters of important deadlines, voting options, and information to help ensure a smooth voting experience. I would also like to bring your attention to important changes to Voter ID requirements.

Mail-In Absentee Ballots

The deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot is October 20 at 11:59 p.m. Eligible voters can request a ballot through GoVote.KY.gov.

All mail-in absentee ballots must be returned to the Warren County Clerk’s Office by 6:00 p.m. on November 3. A secure ballot drop box is available inside the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. On Election Day, the drop box will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Excused, In-Office Voting

Excused, in-office voting will take place October 21–23 and October 26–28, 8:00am-4:30pm on the first floor of the Warren County Courthouse, located at 429 E. 10th Ave., Bowling Green.

Please note that only voters who meet Kentucky’s eligibility requirements for excused, in-office voting may vote during these six days.

Early Voting: October 29–31

Any voter eligible to vote in the General Election may cast their ballot during early voting, which will take place October 29–31 at our five early voting locations. Visit Ephram White Park, Living Hope Baptist Church, Michael Buchanon Park, Phil Moore Park or Sugar Maple Square to cast your ballot.

We encourage voters to consider taking advantage of these three days to potentially avoid longer lines on Election Day.

Election Day: November 3

Election Day voting will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our 14 Election Day locations.

Warren County utilizes countywide vote centers, meaning voters may choose the Election Day voting location that is most convenient for them. All ballot styles are available at every vote center, so voters do not need to travel to a specific location based on their precinct.

Sample Ballot and Voter Information

A sample ballot is available on our website. A label beneath each contest indicates whether it appears on all precinct ballots or is precinct-specific.

Before heading to the polls, I encourage voters to verify their voter registration information. Use your precinct information to review the sample ballot and become familiar with the contests that will appear on your ballot.

Constitutional Amendment

There is one constitutional amendment on the 2026 General Election ballot. Election officers and officials cannot provide interpretations or explanations of the amendment. Voters are encouraged to review the amendment language before casting their ballot.

Voter ID Requirements

Please be mindful of Kentucky’s voter identification requirements. Recent changes to state law have updated the list of acceptable forms of identification at polling locations. The following are no longer accepted forms of identification: credit cards, Social Security cards, Food Stamp/EBT/SNAP cards, and being personally known by an election officer.

Voters may present a photo ID that includes their name and is issued by one of the following:

• Kentucky state government
• The federal government
• The U.S. military, Merchant Marines, or Kentucky National Guard
• A public or private college or university in the United States
• A city or county government in Kentucky

What if you do not have one of these photo IDs?

You may still be able to vote by completing an affidavit at the polling location and presenting one of the following documents:

• An out-of-state driver’s license
• A State Board of Elections-approved county ID card
• Any identification document containing your name and photograph

State issued Voter ID cards

If you do not have one of the acceptable forms of photo identification listed above, Kentucky offers free Voter ID cards through Driver Licensing Regional Offices. These cards are available only to individuals who do not otherwise have a valid form of photo identification. Voters who already have an acceptable form of photo ID should bring that identification when voting. Kentucky does not issue Voter ID cards to all registered voters.

 

My office is proud to serve the citizens of Warren County. We appreciate your participation in the election process and look forward to seeing you at the polls!

Lynette Yates,

Chair, Warren County Board of Elections