Kentucky Lawmakers Plan Constitutional Amendment to Restore Voting Rights for Felons

Kentucky lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Keturah Herron and Republican Sen. Jimmy Higdon, are collaborating on a bipartisan effort to introduce a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights to most non-violent felons after they complete their sentences. This initiative seeks to replace the current system, which relies on executive orders from governors, such as the 2019 order by Gov. Andy Beshear restoring voting rights to over 140,000 Kentuckians, but which could be reversed by future governors. The proposed amendment would exclude individuals convicted of treason, election-related crimes, sexual offenses, violent crimes, and offenses against children. The effort aims to ensure permanent restoration of voting rights, requiring approval by three-fifths of both legislative chambers and ultimately by Kentucky voters at the ballot box. Lawmakers emphasize that once people have served their sentences, they should regain their full citizenship rights, including voting, to promote reintegration and fairness. The amendment is expected to be formally introduced in the 2026 legislative session after resolving outstanding details between the sponsors.