A Kentucky State Representative is looking to improve voting access in Kentucky while looking to make it so the state’s electorate supports the top vote-getter for President.
According to the Legislative Research Commission, House Bills 151, 152 and 153 are sponsored by Representative Chad Aull, who calls the measures “long overdue”. House Bill 151 would extend the time polling locations are open from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving Kentuckians additional time to cast their ballots.
He’s also looking to put an end to straight-ticket voting with House Bill 152, saying only five other states allow the practice. Aull says, “Straight-ticket voting is a relic of another age that needs to end. It values parties over candidates, and I think in these politically polarizing times, we would all be better served if those running for office had to campaign based on their ideas rather than just the letter by their name.”
In HB 153, Kentucky would be added to the growing number of states that are set to pledge their electoral votes to future presidential candidates receiving the most votes nationally. The National Popular Vote initiative won’t take effect until states with a combined 270 electoral votes – the minimum to become president – have signed on. Currently, 17 states with 205 electoral votes are on board, and if Kentucky joined them, that number would rise to 213.
The bills are set to be considered by the Kentucky General Assembly this session.