What’s on your ballot: Kentucky Amendment 1

Kentucky voters will have a slate of local, state and federal races — yes, hello, presidential race! — to vote on when they head to the polls this fall.

But, among a whole lot of names, there will be two chunks of text to read through and decide on. Those will be the two proposed constitutional amendments facing voters this year.

Y’all are probably already hearing a lot about Amendment 2 — that’s the one about “school choice” — and we’ll discuss that whole thing separately. But let’s discuss Amendment 1. 

 

Just as a refresher, what is a constitutional amendment?

A constitutional amendment is pretty much what it sounds like: it is something that would change Kentucky’s constitution. 

Obviously, changing the entire state constitution is something taken rather seriously, so these proposals go to the voters to decide, rather than just being determined by the folks in Frankfort. 

 

How many constitutional amendments are Kentuckians voting on in 2024?

Kentucky will have two constitutional amendments on their ballots this fall. They are literally named Amendment 1 and Amendment 2. Those are their government names. 

Please be aware that Kentucky also had an Amendment 1 and Amendment 2 on 2022’s ballot. Completely different topics, y’all.

 

What is Kentucky’s Amendment 1 in 2024?

In 2024, Amendment 1 deals with whether or not non-citizens can vote in elections. Specifically, it seeks to formally ban non-citizens from voting. 

Here’s the thing, though: Non-citizens aren’t currently voting in our elections. And that’s coming from Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams, not me. 

Supporters of Amendment 1 argue it is being taken as a precaution, but some Republicans other than Adams have publicly acknowledged this year that, yeah, non-citizens aren’t actively voting right now. 

 

What is the full text of Kentucky’s Amendment 1 in 2024?

You can read the full text of Amendment 1 on the Secretary of State’s website. 

Once ballots are finalized in the coming weeks, the full text will also be available on everyone’s mock ballots. You’ll be able to find your mock ballot for the November election right here once they’re approved.

 

If I vote yes on Amendment 1, what does that mean?

It means it would be clearly stated in the Kentucky constitution that non-citizens cannot vote in our elections. 

It would not change anything on the day-to-day, because, as noted above, this already isn’t happening. 

 

If I vote no on Amendment 1, what does that mean?

Voting no means nothing changes. The constitutional amendment wouldn’t pass, therefore, the constitution would not be amended. 

 

If Kentucky’s Amendment 1 passes, what happens next? 

The state constitution would change, adding or otherwise amending the existing language with what’s being proposed right now. 

But, like mentioned above, in terms of anything changing immediately or having any sort of further impact, nothing would really change.

 

If Kentucky’s Amendment 1 does not pass, what happens then?

Nothing.

 

What are people saying about Amendment 1?

Largely, no one is really talking about Amendment 1. 

Part of it stems from the fact that, again, this already wasn’t really an issue. Another part of it stems from how much of the focus is already — and probably will continue to be — on Amendment 2 — the school choice amendment. 

 

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

But Kentucky offers a few early voting options. Some who qualify will be able to vote via mail-in ballot or with extra in-person voting days starting in mid- to late October. 

Early voting will be open for everyone from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.