How did Kentucky vote on Amendments 1 and 2?

On November 6, 2024By Littum

NORTHERN KENTUCKY (WXIX) – Election results are in for Kentucky’s Amendments 1 and 2.

According to the Associated Press, the majority of Kentuckians voted in favor of Amendment 1, a ballot measure that amends the state constitution to prohibit non-citizens from voting in the Commonwealth.

AP called the race at 20:44 on Tuesday.

Find more Election results 2024 here.

The change adds the line, “No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be permitted to vote in this State,” to the Kentucky Constitution.

“By putting this amendment on the ballot this fall, it allows the people of Kentucky, not the courts of Kentucky, to decide whether or not they want non-citizens to vote in local elections,” Sen. Jason Howell (R-Murray) ) told FOX19 NOW’s sister station WKYT in September.

Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Whip Rachel Roberts (D-Newport) wrote in an OP/ED to news networks that the amendment is an attempt by supporters to “inflame anti-immigrant sentiment while further eroding confidence in our elections.”

To clarify, it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in any election in the United States

As for Amendment 2, also known as “school choice,” an overwhelming number of voters kicked the ballot initiative to the curb.

A spokesman for Kentucky Students First, a pro-Amendment 2 organization, conceded defeat before the AP called the race.

Amendment 2 was a contentious issue for Kentucky as it would allow the General Assembly to create a policy that would use public funds to financially support non-public school education costs.

Supporters like Jim Waters, president of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, previously told FOX19 NOW that the “school choice” initiative would give families options and help improve the education system.

However, the amendment left much room for question as it never detailed what this policy would look like.

Opponents of Amendment 2, such as the Kentucky Education Association, are celebrating their victory.

Tonight, Kentucky voters spoke loud and clear that they value and support their local public schools by defeating Ballot Amendment 2. Public schools are the heart and soul of every community across the Commonwealth, and tonight’s results confirm that voters want public tax dollars allocated exclusively to public school resources.

The Kentucky Education Association (KEA) proudly recognizes the critical role that KEA members, our allies and our communities played in the defeat of Ballot Amendment 2. This victory is a testament to the collective efforts of educators, parents and community allies who came together. together to protect our Constitution and the rights of all Kentuckians.

KEA members engaged in grassroots advocacy in all 171 school districts and 120 counties across the Commonwealth, sharing facts, mobilizing supporters and educating voters about the devastating impact Amendment 2 would have on our communities. This grassroots movement underscores KEA’s commitment to ensuring that all students in Kentucky have access to a quality education free of discriminatory barriers.

KEA members celebrate this achievement as a victory for equity, fairness and economic justice in our public education system. It strengthens the belief that when Kentuckians unite for a common cause, we can stand firm and demand that our laws and principles reflect our community’s values. KEA members remain dedicated to advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of students, parents, educators and public schools, and will continue to work tirelessly to protect, improve and defend public education in Kentucky.

See a spelling or grammar mistake in our story? Please click here to report it.

Have a photo or video of a news story? Send it to us here with a short description.