Controversial amendment on abortion; Voters will get to decide yes or no

Two Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

When you cast your ballot in the 2022 General Election that is fast approaching on November 8, you’ll be deciding on constitutional changes that will have an impact on the state of Kentucky. It is important to be clear on what these two constitutional questions you’ll see at the end of your ballot are actually asking you to vote yes or no on.

Every Kentucky voter will get to decide whether to vote yes or no to Constitutional Amendment #1 and Constitutional Amendment #2. The one you’ve likely heard about is #2, as it will determine the future of abortion rights in the state of Kentucky. And #1 is a much longer question that if voted yes on, will give more power to the Kentucky General Assembly concerning special sessions and regular sessions.

If voters say yes to Constitutional Amendment #1, it will give more power to the Kentucky General Assembly by allowing lawmakers to call themselves into special session and possibly extend regular sessions until later in the year.

Currently the Constitution allows for lawmakers to be in session only until March 30 in odd-numbered years and until April 15 in even-numbered years. After those dates they can only return to pass laws in a special session. Also, currently, only the Governor can call a special session and set the agenda for it.

If Constitutional Amendment #1 is passed, a special session could be called by a Joint Proclamation of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Many other states require a vote to start a special session. By voting yes, you would be agreeing to allow the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to hold that power.

Constitutional Amendment #2 specifically asks: “Are you in favor of amending the Constitution of Kentucky by creating a new Section of the Constitution to be numbered Section 26A to state as follows: To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion?”

Constitutional Amendment #2 is a controversial issue. Since the United States Supreme Court’s decision on June 24, 2022 to overturn Roe vs. Wade, it has been a heated topic.

It is critical that you do your own thorough research and make your decision accordingly.