Voting Rights

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. The ACLU of Kentucky works to protect and expand the freedom to vote through advocacy, litigation, and voter education.

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In 2013, the ACLU of Kentucky’s legal program filed a lawsuit against the state because the General Assembly failed to enact constitutionally permissible legislative districts following the 2010 Census. The result of the General Assembly’s failure was thousands of Kentuckians’ votes being unlawfully diluted because they remained in districts enacted in 2002 that are now grossly overpopulated compared to other districts. We (and the plaintiffs in another redistricting suit filed in Northern Kentucky) obtained a federal court ruling declaring the 2002 maps unconstitutional and barring state officials from using them in future elections. Our victory was a vindication for Kentuckians voting rights!

Our voting rights advocacy efforts are focused on the restoration of voting rights for former felons. Kentucky is one of just a handful of states that permanently bars all individuals with felony convictions from ever voting. Individuals with felonies may be able to get their voting rights restored through a partial pardon from the governor.

Click here for an application to apply to have your voting rights restored.

 

The Latest

News & Commentary
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Restoration of Voting Rights

News & Commentary
ACLU Voter Flag

Know Your Rights On Election Day

Election Day is almost here!  As you prepare to vote, we thought we’d share our top six tips for avoiding problems at the polls:
Resource
Vote like your rights depend on it

Protecting Democracy

The Commonwealth Voter Campaign is working to make sure Kentuckians have the accurate information they need to cast their ballots with confidence and make their voices heard. We’re mobilizing voters, volunteers, and communities across Kentucky to participate, encourage others to vote, and vote like their rights depend on it. Because the decisions made at the ballot box shape our rights, our communities, and the future of our democracy.
Press Release
US v Adams: We're defending privacy and voting rights for all Kentuckians.

Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Seeking Kentucky Voters' Sensitive Personal Information

Ruling blocks Trump administration's attempt to obtain confidential voter data
Issue Areas: Voting Rights
Court Cases: U.S. v ADAMS

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Legislation
Jan 3, 2023

HB 566 - Restoration of Voting Rights

Everyone has made mistakes, and no person should be defined by the worst parts of their past. It's time for Kentucky to permanently restore voting rights to people with felony convictions in their past. Momentum is still building with more lawmakers supporting this bill each year.
Status: Failed
Position: Support
Court Case
Nov 22, 2017

Herbert, et al. v. Kentucky State Board of Education, et al.

Court Case
Nov 22, 2017

Attorney General v. State Board of Election (2006)

Court Case
Nov 21, 2017

Curington v. Richardson (2004)