LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky abortion rights are up for a vote in the midterm election.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would add language to Kentucky's constitution that would prohibit state funding or the protection of abortions. A "yes" vote means you are in favor of limiting abortions, and a "no" vote means the constitution would stay the same.
University of Kentucky's Stephen Voss, who specializes in elections and voting behavior, said this amendment wouldn't change any abortion law right away but would make impacts in the future.
"You're more likely to see the policy stick around if it's in the constitution," Voss said. "Legislators are trying to do with No. 2 is stop the Kentucky courts from reading abortion rights into the constitution later, which there's some possibility they might do."
Some pro-choice activists have been critical of the majority of men lawmakers that help pass pro-life legislation calling it a women's issue.
Democrat State Sen. Karen Berg went viral in March of this year during debates in committee on more restrictive abortion legislation.
"I am the only woman on this podium," she said in the debate. "I am the only physician."
Secretary of State Michael Adams said women out-registered men this year, but that doesn't mean more women will end up voting. He said that's on par with the population spread for men and women in the commonwealth.
"We've not analyzed to try to determine whether women are registering, because the certain issue, there's no way for us to know that," Adams said.
Can a higher number of women voters in Kentucky equal a vote in favor or pro-choice measures?
Voss said no.
Political analyst Stephen Voss said a higher number of women registered voters in Kentucky does not mean they are voting in favor of abortion rights.
"Knowing their gender attitudes, knowing whether they consider themselves a feminist or they prefer traditional gender roles does a lot in helping you predict abortion attitudes," he said.
The point was evident between Berg and Rep. Nancy Tate in Kentucky's Capitol. Both women are on opposite sides of the argument as Tate leads the charge for more restrictive abortion legislation in Kentucky.
In Jefferson County, County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw said the gender split is about even.
As for political affiliation, Kentucky voter registration is 45% Democrat and 45% Republican. Adams said Independent voters led the way in new registrations.
"The independent vote, if they show up, can make a huge difference," Voss said.
Voss said gender or political affiliation might not matter, because, in Kentucky, in the General Election, people can vote regardless of their political party registration, unlike in the primary.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
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