LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky voters will find two constitutional amendments on their ballot this upcoming election.
Constitutional Amendment 2 is the more widely known and talked about statewide ballot issue. The other ballot measure, Amendment 1, is far lesser known.
Election Day in Kentucky is Nov. 5, however early voting begins on Oct. 31. Click here for WHAS11's voter guide.
What is Amendment 2 in Kentucky?
Constitutional Amendment 2 would reallocate some taxpayer dollars from public schools into private or charters schools.
Opponents of the constitutional amendment argue it lacks specifics, while others are concerned about charter schools' regulations on mental health and disabilities. Critics are also concerned over racial discrimination.
"There's also no language in the amendment outlining who will be eligible," Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) President Maddie Shepard said. "So, this could be eligible to families in a certain income level. This could be eligible to everybody."
Charlie Bell, vice chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, said the amendment would give parents more choices for their child's education.
He adds the amendment is starting the conversation of school choice with more developments to come later.
"Every child learns differently," he said. "So, if every child learns differently and you're put into a box, then our kids aren't succeeding. And that's exactly what we're seeing right now."
What is the difference between a "yes" or "no" vote on Amendment 2 in Kentucky?
If you vote "yes" on Amendment 2, the state constitution would change to allow taxpayer dollars to be used to fund private or charter schools. The money would not flow immediately, however. Lawmakers would still need to create and pass legislation regulating how the funds can be allocated.
If you vote "no" on Amendment 2, the state constitution would not change. Money for public schools would not go to private or charter schools.
Here's how Amendment 2 will appear on the ballot this November:
"To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financial support for the education costs of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are outside the system of common (public) schools by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below?
IT IS PROPOSED THAT A NEW SECTION BE ADDED TO THE CONSTITUTION OF KENTUCKY TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution notwithstanding."
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
