Mitch Ford, Tayna Fogle, and Ed Monahan testify for restoration of voting rights for former felons in Louisville.

It is estimated that more than 126,000 adults who have served their sentences have been disenfranchised in Kentucky as a result of a felony conviction.  Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution states that a person convicted of a felony is not entitled to vote, though felons may have their civil rights restored if they receive an executive pardon from the governor.

Working with a broad coalition of groups, KFTC members in recent years have helped create public awareness of this issue and are urging legislators to put the question on the ballot. KFTC believes that restoring the right to vote to all former felons upon completion of their sentence will strengthen our democracy.

In 2009, 2010, and 2011, House Bill 70  passed out of the House quickly and by a very large margin.  The Senate State and Local Government Committee however, chaired by Sen. Daymon Thayer, refused to hear the bill, effectively killing it.

Current Status

HB 70 passed the House on Feb. 16. The vote was 78-18. The bill is now assigned to the Senate Judiciary committee.

Take Action

1. Call the Legislative Message Line (1-800-372-7181) and leave a message for your Senator and Senate Leadership telling them to support on House Bill 70.
2. Attend our Voting Rights Lobby Day on March 8.
3. Write a quick letter to the editor to your local paper about Voting Rights.
4. Write a personal letter to your legislator.  Even a simple, short hand-written letter can make a huge impact.

5. Become a member of KFTC or donate above your yearly dues.  As a grassroots organization, our strength lies in our membership.  Each new member gives us more clout in Frankfort, and your donations allow us to be the most active grassroots lobbying group in the state.