Kentucky Constitution Articles 11. Counties
Here is a summary of Article XI – Counties from the Kentucky Constitution:
Kentucky Constitution – Article XI: Counties
Purpose:
Article XI outlines the creation, organization, alteration, and government of counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Key Provisions:
Formation of New Counties (§1):
A new county may only be formed from parts of one or more existing counties if certain conditions are met:
No county can be reduced to less than 400 square miles in area or 12,000 population.
The proposed new county must also meet the minimum requirements of 400 square miles and 12,000 people.
There must be a vote in each affected county, with a majority approving the creation.
County Seats (§2):
The county seat (official location of county government) cannot be moved unless:
A petition is signed by at least two-thirds of voters.
The change is then approved by a majority vote in an election.
Consolidation of Counties (§3):
The General Assembly (state legislature) may provide laws allowing two or more counties to consolidate, if approved by a vote of the people in each county affected.
Changing County Lines (§4):
Boundaries of counties may be changed only in a manner that does not violate the size and population minimums.
Must be approved by voters in each county where territory would be taken or added.
Summary:
Article XI emphasizes:
Voter control over changes to county boundaries or government locations.
Minimum size and population requirements to prevent excessive fragmentation.
Flexibility for counties to merge, reorganize, or adjust borders, but only through democratic processes.
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