It’s thanks to a 2019 executive order from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that some Kentuckians convicted of a felony are automatically able to vote after completing their sentence and parole. But a future governor could reverse that order, thus stopping the ability for Kentuckians convicted of most nonviolent felonies from automatically regaining their voting rights.

Over the past several years, Democratic Rep. Keturah Herron of Louisville and Republican Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon have filed separate bills attempting to create a more permanent path to restoring voting rights for people convicted of certain felonies.

Higdon and Herron appeared before a legislative interim committee Tuesday to say they would once again pursue a voting rights restoration amendment. Since lawmakers can’t fi

See Full Page