While all eyes will be on the presidential election this November, it is not the only election taking place; there is a large number of state and local elections that will also take place this fall which will have a significant and direct impact on local communities.
Although at the national level, Kentucky is statistically likely to vote Republican, there is much political diversity in the state of Kentucky. This diversity shows that elections can be competitive and by voting, citizens have a direct say in shaping the future of their communities. While this article may not be all-inclusive, these are some of the state and local races to keep an eye on during this election cycle.
This election, Kentucky voters will be voting for State House and State Senate races. Although in some instances there are candidates who are running unopposed, there are several seats in each respective house that could flip parties. It is therefore important that Kentucky voters vote in these races to voice the ways they would like to see change in their districts.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president, Kentucky Supreme Court justices are elected by the citizens of the commonwealth. Supreme Court justices are nonpartisan races. Pamela R. Goodwine and Erin Izzo are running in the general election for the Kentucky Supreme Court 5th District.
Additionally, there is going to be a special election for the Kentucky Court of Appeals 1st Division 2. Incumbent Lisa Payne Jones and Jason Shea Fleming are running for this nonpartisan position.
Fayette and Jefferson County school board elections will also be taking place. It is important to note that these two districts have been the subject of controversy in recent years. Most recently, the state legislature initiated a task force that is examining the effectiveness of the Jefferson County School district, therefore, while this may be a smaller scale election, that does not mean it is insignificant. The outcome of these school board elections are of vital importance to the education system.
The following municipal government elections will also be taking place:
Frankfort, Kentucky – Mayor, commonwealth’s attorney and city council.
Lexington, Kentucky – commonwealth’s attorney, circuit clerk, city council and soil and water board.
Louisville, Kentucky – commonwealth’s attorney, circuit court clerk, metro council, county commission and soil and water board.
The following ballot measures will also appear:
Amendment 1 which would prohibit state and local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote if passed.
Amendment 2 which would allow the state to provide funding for non-public education if passed.
Fayette County will also be voting on the Lexington, Kentucky, Park Fund Measure. A “yes” vote would support the establishment of a dedicated fund for parks, trails, playgrounds and recreational facilities, and it would enact a tax of $22.50 per $100,000 of a property’s taxable value to provide revenue for the Park Fund.
Although many of the races outlined in this article tend to be overlooked by Kentucky voters, these races are not insignificant and will have a tremendous effect on all of our communities.
