MADISON COUNTY, Ky. — Madison County’s 2026 Primary Election is approaching, and registered voters have several ways to cast their ballots. This includes a three-day window for no-excuse early in-person voting ahead of Primary Election Day on Tuesday, May 19.
🗳️ No-Excuse Early Voting
Registered Madison County voters can cast their ballots in person during the early voting period without providing a reason.
- Dates: Thursday, May 14, Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026.
- Times: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
- Locations: For the 2026 Primary, early voting is restricted to the following six “Vote Centers”:
- Russel Acton Folk Center (212 W. Jefferson St., Berea)
- Ignite Academy South Campus (123 Farristown Industrial Rd., Berea)
- Madison County Public Library, Richmond (507 W. Main St., Richmond)
- Ignite Academy North Campus (2075 Merchant Dr., Richmond)
- Richmond Active Living Center (801 Brighton Ave., Richmond)
- Madison County Extension Office (230 Duncannon Ln., Richmond)
🏛️ Primary Election Day Details
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.
Madison County utilizes a “Vote Center” model, meaning any registered voter in the county can cast their ballot at any approved polling location, regardless of their specific home precinct. On Election Day, the six early voting sites listed above remain open, and several additional sites—such as the Berea Church of God and the Mule Barn at Arlington—are added to the list.
✅ Voter Requirements
- Closed Primary: Kentucky is a closed primary state. You must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote in those respective party contests.
- Photo ID: Voters must present a valid photo ID at the polls. A Kentucky driver’s license, military ID, or other state-issued photo ID is required.
✉️ Absentee Ballots
Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Madison County Clerk’s Office no later than 6:00 p.m. on May 19. Secure drop-boxes are available at the Clerk’s Richmond office (321 N. Madison Ave.) and the Berea office (304 Chestnut St.).
Madison County Clerk:
https://madisoncountyclerk.us/elections/
Polling Location Finder:
https://madisoncountyclerk.us/polling-locations/
Kentucky Voter Portal:
https://govote.ky.gov
About the Author
Dr. Chad Hembree is the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known to the community as “Mr. Chad,” he is a playwright, director, and performer with a professional background spanning music, theater, and technology. As a contributor and editor for BereaOnline.com, he focuses on highlighting community news, local events, and the evolving intersection of technology and the arts in Madison County.
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Civic
- Levitt BLOC Berea Kickoff (305 Estill St.) — Tuesday, May 12, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Madison County Beef Day (1000 Ival James Blvd.) — Tuesday, May 12, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Tasty Tuesdays (Irvine-McDowell Park) — Tuesday, May 12 (every Tuesday), 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
- SummerFest (The Pinnacles) — Sunday, May 17, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Mountain Melodies Workshop (444 Chestnut St.) — May 22–24
- Berea Arts Council Garden Tour (Various Locations) — Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Tools and Stools Workshop (116 Spring Circle Dr.) — May 30–31
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3