LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentuckians are currently voting on two proposed state constitutional amendments, with a particular spotlight on Amendment 2. However, Amendment 1 warrants attention due to its significant implications for voting rights in the state.
Amendment 1 seeks to amend the Kentucky Constitution to include explicit language stating that “no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote in the state.” This proposed change is straightforward and aims to provide clarity regarding citizenship requirements for voting.
The context for this amendment aligns with a national trend, as similar proposals are appearing on ballots in other states, including North Carolina, Wisconsin, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. This broader movement reflects ongoing discussions about voting rights and immigration.
While the federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting, the situation is nuanced. According to reports, at least 18 localities across the U.S. extend voting rights to legal non-citizens for local elections, although Kentucky is not one of them. The current state constitution implies non-citizen voting is not permitted but does not explicitly state it. Supporters of Amendment 1 argue that this amendment is necessary to close any potential loopholes that could allow non-citizens to claim voting rights in the future.
Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams confirmed in June that Kentucky has no provisions allowing non-citizens to vote in state or local elections. The amendment aims to fortify the existing regulations against any future legal challenges that might arise regarding this issue.
Dr. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, highlights the connection between this amendment and the broader discourse on immigration, emphasizing that the vote carries significant political weight.
As the state continues to engage in this critical decision-making process, the implications of Amendment 1 will be closely examined, not just within Kentucky but also as part of a larger national conversation on voting rights and citizenship.
