Election season is right around the corner and the Hopkinsville League of Women Voters is working to ensure that local voters are informed about what is on the ballot before they head to the polls on November 5.
At Thursday’s Hopkinsville Kiwanis Club meeting, League Co-Presidents Nikki Chambers and Mona Sheth spotlighted voting methods, amendments on the ballot and upcoming local candidate forums.
Kentuckians have until October 22 to request a mail-in ballot. Early voting will occur from October 31 to November 2 and will be available at the Bruce Convention Center, Senior Citizen Center and the Walnut Street Center. On the day of the election 13 voting centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While discussing the importance of voting, Chambers shared that the May 2024 election only had around a 7 % turnout, and some races were determined by only 20 voters.
November’s ballot will also include two amendments which if approved will be added to Kentucky’s constitution. Amendment One would only allow residents who have resided in the state for one year and in their country for at least six months to vote and Amendment Two would allow the Kentucky General Assembly to use state dollars to support education institutions outside of the public school system.
Sheth shared that the regulations outlined in Amendment One already exist in the state’s constitution. Sheth says the language used to explain Amendment Two is convoluted, so the league is sharing summaries about the amendment to ensure that citizens know what they are voting for or against.
On October 14, 21 and 24 citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the platforms of the running for public office at the league’s debate forums. Chambers says the community also has the opportunity to submit debate questions.
Questions can be submitted on jotform.com and a full schedule of debates is available at League of Women Voters – Hopkinsville, KY.
The league is also inviting the community to their Ballots and Brews Fundraiser Events on October 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hopkinsville Brewing Company. Chambers says the event is an opportunity for folks to hear from elected officials and those running for office while supporting the leagues work.