Simmons College hosts discussion about Kentucky Amendment 2 as Election Day nears

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With one week until Election Day, there's still some confusion about two amendments on the ballot in Kentucky this year.

When you head to the polls in the Commonwealth next Tuesday, get ready to do some reading as both Amendment 1 and Amendment 2 are lengthy questions.

Amendment 1 contains language meant to ensure that only legal U.S. citizens be allowed to vote in local elections. Click here for complete details on that proposed amendment.

But the amendment that has arguably sparked the most debate is Amendment 2. It would allow lawmakers to direct public funds to private schools, potentially paving the way for charter school funding and voucher programs.

The debate among supporters and critics has become contentious, and there seems to be some confusion about what would happen if it passes, and whether it would automatically fund charter schools. It turns out that's not the case, nor would it automatically create a voucher system.

It would, however, pave the way for lawmakers to make those decisions starting in the 2025 legislative session.

Americans for Prosperity held a discussion about the amendment Tuesday evening at Simmons College of Kentucky, emceed by WDRB's Scott Reynolds.

The main question: Should the Kentucky legislature be allowed to provide money for the education of students outside of public schools. That could later be determined to be something like vouchers or some type of tax credits.

Terra Leavell, of Coleman Prep Academy, said it would be the kind of school choice you just don't get with Jefferson County Public Schools.

"There's already some choice going on, but the choosing is being done by the system, and not by the parent, and so, all I'm asking for is just an opportunity for Kentucky to dig a little deeper," said Leavell.

But Felicia Nu'Man, with the Louisville Urban League, worries about public schools losing funding, and if many kids would be left behind in getting tax money to go to another school.

"I just don't want to forget there are so many kids without any parental people who will advocate for them ... you know, they don't have any advocates and all they is the public school," Nu'Man said.

The panel did agree that if Amendment 2 passes, the most important thing will be working with the state legislature to make sure the most vulnerable kids, and those in the lowest performing schools, get the opportunity to use whatever funding is made available to improve their educational experience.

There have been many commercials surrounding Amendment 2 from both sides of the argument. It's estimated that both sides have spent a total of more than $16 million leading up to Election Day.

A majority of states, including Indiana, already have some type of funding for education outside of the public school system.

If Amendment 2 passes, lawmakers could introduce a school choice program by the 2025 legislative session that begins in January. It asks voters whether they want the General Assembly to send public tax dollars to private schools.

On the ballot, voters will get the choice of Yes — which supports the change — or No — which opposes it.

To view a sample ballot for your county, click here. The deadline to register to vote in Kentucky has passed. To check your voter registration status, click here.

In-person, excused absentee voting in Jefferson County continues from Oct. 28-30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Phillips Lane. To review in-person, excused absentee voting qualifications, click here.

Adams said in a social media post on Oct. 28 that early voting so far has been very successful in Kentucky, with 16,441 Kentuckians taking advantage of the opportunity, including 9,739 Republicans, 5,690 Democrats and 1,012 Others.

In-person, no-excuse absentee/"early voting" starts Oct. 31 in Kentucky. To look at early voting locations and hours, click here. For information about mail-in absentee voting, click here.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.