Who is eligible to participate in the ACP?
The ACP is open to United States citizens and residents of Kentucky who: (1) are victims of domestic violence and abuse, stalking, a sex crime, or a crime against a minor victim in a criminal case that is ongoing or resulted in a conviction, or (2) individuals who have been granted a currently in-effect emergency protective order or domestic violence order under KRS Chapter 403 by a court of competent jurisdiction within Kentucky.
What are the benefits of the ACP?
The ACP allows you to register to vote and vote without fear that your address will be made public. Specifically, if you are a program participant, you will be assigned an address for voting purposes, and your voting records - including your name and address - will be kept out of publicly available voter records. In addition, you will be permitted to vote via mail-in absentee ballot.
How do I participate in the ACP?
If you are eligible and believe that disclosure of your address would endanger you or your children, you can apply to participate in the ACP by submitting a completed Application to the Secretary of State's office. If your Application is properly completed and you are not required to register as a sex offender or otherwise prohibited from participating, the Secretary of State will certify you as a participant. You will receive a participant card setting forth your participant number and voting address.
I need help applying for certification. Can someone else assist me?
If you need help filling out your Application, please contact the Secretary of State's office or one of the designated assistance agencies. In addition, if the applicant is a minor or has been declared incompetent, then a parent, guardian, or the designee of a parent or guardian may apply for the applicant.
How much does it cost to participate in the ACP?
There is no cost to apply for or participate in the ACP.
Can I use my voting address for other purposes?
No. The ACP is only one part of your overall safety plan. The ACP alone cannot keep you safe under all circumstances, but it does enable you to vote without fear for your safety, or the safety of your children.
How long does certification last?
Certification is effective for two years, unless you withdraw or your certification is cancelled prior to that date.
How can I renew my certification?
If you want to renew your certification to participate in the ACP, you must submit to the Secretary of State, at least 5 business days before your certification expires, a renewal Application. You will be notified whether your certification was renewed within 5 business days after the Secretary of State receives your renewal Application.
For what reasons will certification be cancelled?
Certification will be cancelled if you applied using false information or are required to register as a sex offender. Certification may be cancelled if you fail to notify the Secretary of State within 14 days of a change of your name or address.
Can I appeal a cancellation of certification?
Yes. In order to appeal a cancellation of your certification, within 30 days after your certification is cancelled, you must submit an Appeal, including an explanation of why your certification should not be cancelled, to the State Board of Elections. The State Board of Elections will approve your appeal if grounds for cancellation do not exist.