Opinion: Amendment 1 isn’t about protecting elections. It’s about stoking fear.

Kentucky voters have the unique opportunity to reject a proposal that’s more than unnecessary — it’s divisive and potentially harmful to our communities. Amendment 1 , which claims to “protect” Kentucky elections by banning noncitizen voting, addresses a problem that simply does not exist. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Kentucky, with clear penalties for violations and effective enforcement mechanisms in place. Passing this amendment won’t make our elections safer or stronger; instead, it risks creating barriers, alienating neighbors and fueling divisive rhetoric.

Voting no on Amendment 1 sends a powerful message that Kentucky is committed to a democracy that serves everyone.

Constitutional Amendment 1 proposes to ban noncitizen voting, something that is already prohibited under the Kentucky Constitution. Our electoral system already enforces this with strict penalties, including fines and even deportation for offenders. Furthermore, the Kentucky secretary of state confirms there’s no evidence of noncitizens attempting to vote or interfere in elections . So, what’s the real purpose of Amendment 1? It appears less about securing elections and more about stoking fear — something that can deeply affect our diverse communities in troubling ways.

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