Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Wednesday signed a bipartisan bill that expands access to voting in the state.
Why it’s important: The legislation, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, comes as Republicans from other states push for more voting restrictions. Last month, Georgia became the first battlefield state to pass a law restricting access to voting.
Details: Kentucky law provides for three days of face-to-face early voting.
- It also maintains some of the emergency functions implemented due to the pandemic, including an online portal for recording absentee ballots, absentee box offices and polling stations where residents of any district can vote.
- It establishes a process to cure deficient ballots in absence and requires a gradual change to equipment that can process ballots.
- The law gives state officials more authority to remove people from voter lists if they have moved away and registered to vote in another state. And prohibits and penalizes the collection of ballots, among other provisions.
Yes, but: “Kentucky already has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, “notes the Lexington Herald leader.
What they say: “I firmly believe that we should make it easier for Kentuckians to vote and participate in the democratic process,” Beshear said in a statement. “This new law represents important first steps to preserve and protect the right of every individual to make their voice heard.”
- Beshear also said that while he wanted more on the bill, the legislation is a “victory for Kentucky.”
- “While some states have moved in a different direction, I’m very proud of Kentucky.”
- Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican, added, “While other states are caught up in a partisan division, Kentucky leads the nation in making it easier to vote and cheat.”