TL:DR
Amendment 1’s Focus:
- Clarifies in the Kentucky Constitution the existing law that only U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections.
- Proof-of-citizenship discussions are unrelated and would require separate legislative action.
Naturalized Citizens:
- Naturalized citizens are equal to citizens by birth, and Amendment 1 does not disenfranchise them.
It affirms the value and integrity of all citizens’ contributions to democracy.
Purpose and Impact:
- Ensures elections are decided exclusively by U.S. citizens, reinforcing existing law without creating new barriers.
- Reflects the broader national trend to safeguard electoral integrity.
Commitment:
- Supports respectful, accurate dialogue and proactive solutions to strengthen democracy while enabling full participation of all eligible citizens.
We understand the concerns raised by Ms. Buczek and Rep. Kulkarni in this article and sincerely appreciate their willingness to engage in a thoughtful discussion about Amendment 1. We respectfully disagree with the framing of Amendment 1 as being intertwined with the concept of requiring proof-of-citizenship documentation for voter registration or voting. These are distinct issues and we would caution that conflating them, intentionally or otherwise, can mislead public understanding of Amendment 1’s intent and impact.
On Proof-of-Citizenship Discussions
Discussions about requiring visual or physical proof of citizenship at the points of voter registration or voting are indeed happening, but it is crucial to clarify that Amendment 1 does not mandate such requirements. Amendment 1 solely enshrines in Kentucky’s Constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections.
Once again, it would be inaccurate to associate Amendment 1 with potential citizenship verification requirements and, to be clear, the only way more voter ID will be required in Kentucky is if the Kentucky legislature votes on it, which is no more or less possible due to Amendment 1 passing.
On the Participation of Naturalized Citizens
We welcome and applaud the civic participation of naturalized citizens, who bring invaluable perspectives and commitment to the democratic process. Naturalized citizens have made a deliberate and meaningful commitment to learn and embrace American values, laws, and responsibilities. We understand, and must politely reject, the notion that Amendment 1 could disenfranchise this group. Citizenship, whether by birth or naturalization, confers the same rights and responsibilities. Neither Amendment 1, nor we at Americans for Citizen Voting, distinguish between these pathways…a naturalized American citizen is an American citizen.
Moreover, the naturalization process itself is a rigorous and transformative journey. Those who have successfully navigated it have demonstrated determination, resilience, and a profound respect for the American democratic system. As our organization’s president, Avi McCullah—a naturalized citizen herself—has often stated, the right to vote is one of the most cherished outcomes of becoming an American citizen. It is difficult to believe that those who have worked so hard to obtain this right would be discouraged by misinformation or misinterpretation of Amendment 1.
Clarifying Amendment 1’s Purpose and Impact
Amendment 1 was designed to reinforce an essential principle: that public elections in Kentucky should be decided by its United States citizens. This is a sentiment shared by voters across the country, as evidenced by the 14 states, including eight in 2024 alone, that have passed similar constitutional amendments. Kentucky’s passage of Amendment 1 reflects the will of its people to safeguard the integrity of their electoral process. It does not create new barriers or burdens but rather formalizes in the state’s constitution a practice already in place in Kentucky state statute.