A panel discussion and community conversation on restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions will be held Jan. 17 at the downtown Lexington Public Library.

The event is scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Farish Theater at the library’s Main Branch. It will focus on efforts to amend Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution, which mandates the permanent loss of voting rights for anyone convicted of a felony unless those rights are individually restored.

Fox 56 state Capitol reporter Bode Brooks will moderate the discussion, which will include voting rights advocates, faith leaders and members of the public. Panelists include voting rights advocates Chris Applegate and Erica Davenport, Bishop John Stowe of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, and Rich Gianzero, a Lutheran pastor and director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.

Advocates said they have spent more than two decades urging lawmakers to change Section 145, which was ratified in 1891. At least one bill addressing voting rights restoration is expected to be filed during the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly session.

Organizers said the discussion is intended to raise awareness about the impact of disenfranchisement on individuals and communities, as well as the broader societal benefits of restoring voting rights.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lexington, the Lexington chapter of the NAACP and the Kentucky Council of Churches. Questions can be directed to Tip Moody at [email protected].