Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021
CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org
Secure Democracy Commends Passage of H.B. 574
Urges Lawmakers to be Vigilant about Potential Disparate Impact if Enacted
FRANKFORT, Ky.— In response to the Kentucky Senate’s passage of House Bill 574 late yesterday, which now sends the bill to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk, Secure Democracy issued the following statement:
"Amidst a wave of state efforts to limit Americans’ freedom to vote across the country, it is all the more meaningful that Kentucky leaders have come together to strengthen Kentuckians’ faith in elections and improve trust and transparency. More work remains to reform Kentucky’s election laws and we look forward to continuing to work with Kentucky leaders to do that,” said Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy.
Due to health concerns posed by COVID-19, Kentucky enacted a number of temporary changes to their elections in 2020, some of which H.B. 574 would make permanent if signed by Governor Beshear. These provisions include:
Three days of in-person early voting: Nearly 1 million Kentuckians voted early in-person in the 2020 election.
A limited statewide cure process: Giving voters the opportunity to fix honest mistakes on their ballots.
Online absentee ballot request portal: Making it more convenient for voters to request an absentee ballot, and modernizing the state’s election administration.
Despite these strong provisions, Secure Democracy urges vigilance from lawmakers about the potential impacts several provisions could have. For example, the consolidation of historical precinct voting locations into vote centers in the legislation could have a disparate impact on rural voters and seniors if implemented poorly.
Nevertheless, the advancement of these pro-voter reforms from Kentucky are a bright spot amidst a challenging time for voting access around the country, and proof positive that states can address important election integrity measures while improving voter access. But 43 states this year have considered legislation that would create significant barriers to voting for about 190 million voters, such as legislation to cut early voting, limit the locations and hours of secure ballot drop boxes, and add significant barriers to absentee voting. If enacted, these provisions would impose obstacles that would disproportionately impact older voters, voters with disabilities, veterans, and Americans living in rural communities.
Secure Democracy expects to return to Kentucky next session to continue to work with legislative leaders and allies to further strengthen Kentucky’s voting laws. A Secure Democracy statewide poll commissioned in January 2021, conducted by the Tyson Group, found that Kentucky voters of all political affiliations overwhelmingly support the provisions headed to Governor Beshear, as well as other policies that expand voting access and give people more options to cast their ballots.
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About Secure Democracy
Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve election integrity across the United States. We educate policymakers and the public about what it takes to safeguard our voting systems. We collaborate with state leaders, election administrators, election integrity experts, and allies to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote how they choose.