The Republican-controlled state Senate passed a bill Thursday that could give Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear an extra year in office, if he is reelected.
Sponsored by Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Taylor Mill) the legislation would shift elections for Kentucky’s governor and other constitutional offices to even-numbered years, coinciding with presidential elections.
The bill would not take effect until 2028, pushing back the 2027 statewide elections by one year. Thus, the winners of the 2023 elections would have the one-time opportunity to serve five-year terms.
Beshear knocked off Republican incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin in a tight race in November of last year. Meanwhile, Republicans dominated the down-ballot races, claiming victories in the attorney general, treasurer, state auditor, secretary of state and agriculture commissioner elections.
McDaniel said the switch to even-numbered years would increase voter participation in elections for statewide offices. It also would save the state about $3.5 million in election costs and counties about $13.5 million, he said.
“In a time of tough budgets and when every level of government is struggling for funding, this is a simple way to save a significant amount of money and increase voter participation,” he said.
The bill received an abundance of support, passing through the Senate with a 31-3 vote. State Sens. Robin Webb (D-Grayson), Reginald Thomas (D-Lexington), and Perry B. Clark (D-Louisville) provided the three “no” votes on the bill.
Webb said the tradition of elections in odd-numbered years “protects Kentucky’s interests.”
“The issues that affect Kentucky need to take the forefront in any debate, in any election, and not be drowned out by millions of dollars in advertisement from the national level,” she said.
The bill now heads to the state’s House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a supermajority. But its fate is uncertain. Since McDaniel started his tenure in the commonwealth’s upper chamber in 2013, he has co-sponsored a similar version of the bill every year. In many years, the legislation has passed through the Senate but died in the House.
But the tide may be turning. House Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect) told The Courier Journal on Friday that the bill is “getting more favorable interest this year” in his GOP caucus.
“I think that generally speaking, it’s something the public is starting to gain some awareness of,” Osborne said. “I think, unfortunately, we are looking to drive turnout. It’s unfortunate that we have to worry about turnout in an elections, but it continues to be an issue.”
If the House passes the bill, which would amend a section of the Kentucky Constitution, with a three-fifths vote, it will then go to voters for their acceptance or rejection on the 2020 November ballot. If a majority approve the proposal, then it will be written into the constitution. The governor cannot veto a bill calling for a constitutional amendment.
–30–
Written by Ben Tobin. Cross-posted from the
Courier-Journal via the Kentucky Press News Service.