Our legislators in Frankfort are currently considering two bills this session (HB 23 and SB 4), that, if approved, would give voters the chance to alter the Kentucky constitution to allow voting for statewide constitutional offices, like the
Attorney General and the Governor, in presidential election years.
Today, these elections take place during “off election” years, at a significant cost to the taxpayers.
Our Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors believes this is something our business members, and all Kentuckians, should support.
It’s good government.
It is true that we’ve been doing off-year elections since 1895 and it is one of our traditions. But it is a tradition that comes at a significant cost.
Changing the way we vote could save $3.5 million for the Commonwealth, and an additional $13.3 million for our counties.
That is especially true in Northern Kentucky, where we have 51 cities in nine counties and 35 cities in our three northernmost counties alone!
Due in part to the additional cost of elections, Kentucky is only one of five states that still does “off year” voting.
According to bill sponsor, Senator Chris McDaniel (Taylor Mill), “This is a commonsense measure that saves taxpayer money while improving voter turnout.” We agree.
It is the voter turnout component that is of particular interest to our Northern Kentucky business community.
According to Gabe Summe, Kenton County Clerk, in 2015 only 9% voted for state offices in the Kenton County primary, and only 26% voted in the general election.
One year later, during the presidential election, voter turnout more than doubled.
Past NKY Chamber Board Chair, Bob Heil, President & CEO of KLH Engineers, has repeatedly spoken out on this concern.
“We’ve had some elections in Northern Kentucky where the voter turnout was less than 30 percent,” said Heil. “That can hurt a region like ours, where we have a large population, but less influence because of low voter participation. If we can increase voter participation, and save some money in the process, it is a no brainer.”
Changing how we vote would be particularly impactful today, as we continue to stare at rising costs due to our pension obligations and ever-increasing health care costs.
Any opportunity to save money should be considered.
We recognize there are some opponents of this legislation, largely on party lines, who believe it gives one party an advantage over another. To that we simply say, “One person’s perceived benefit today may be another’s tomorrow.”
At the end of the day, we want fair, cost effective elections. If we get that, we all win.
Right now, the question before our legislators is, “Should we put this proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot?” We believe the answer is yes. Let the voters decide.
Let’s increase participation and save some money. As Bob Heil said, “It’s a no brainer.”
This fall, if you’re asked on the ballot, “Are you in favor of holding the election of all statewide Constitutional officers in even-numbered years beginning in 2024 to save substantial state and local funds?” we hope you will join us in answering, “Yes.”
