Kentucky Voters Approve Amendment to Prohibit Non-Citizen Voting, Reject Public Funding for Private Schools in 2024 Election

Lexington, Kentucky — During the 2024 election, Kentucky residents made significant decisions regarding state amendments, a tax proposal, and local officials, greatly shaping the educational and fiscal landscape of the state. Voting concluded on Election Day, with the results confirming the preferences of nearly 2 million Kentuckians.

One of the key issues on the ballot was Amendment 1, which aimed to explicitly prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in Kentucky. The amendment garnered substantial support, passing with approximately 64% of votes, translating to around 1.2 million voters endorsing this measure. Proponents asserted that the change was necessary to ensure the state constitution clearly reflected existing federal laws, which already forbid non-citizens from participating in presidential elections. Following the vote, the Kentucky State Constitution will now state that “no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote.”

Conversely, Amendment 2, which sought to permit public funding for private and charter schools, was rejected by voters. This amendment failed with nearly 65% against, amounting to approximately 1.3 million voters opposing it. Advocates claimed that Amendment 2 would foster educational opportunities outside the public school system without jeopardizing public school funding. However, critics emphasized that the financial implications could be severe for Kentucky’s public education system. Following the results, Governor Andy Beshear emphasized that “public dollars belong only in public schools,” urging legislative leaders to respect the voters’ will.

The election also saw voters in Lexington consider a new proposed property tax aimed at enhancing local parks. This marked the first approval of a new property tax in two decades. The tax, adding an additional $2.25 per $100 on all taxable properties, received roughly 61% support from voters. Community advocates argued that the tax would significantly benefit Lexington’s parks, generating an estimated $8 million annually for improvements across the city’s 100 parks, including new trails and facilities.

The tax is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, following certification of the election results on November 25, 2024. Many local residents, including University of Kentucky students, shared their views on the importance of local elections. Political science major Trenton Schroering mentioned that local politicians, such as school board members, often have a more direct impact on daily life than national leaders.

As the community grapples with the outcomes of these votes, the implications for education funding and public resources continue to spark dialogue among residents, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.