Kentucky Constitution Articles 7. Suffrage and Elections
Kentucky Constitution – Article 7: Suffrage and Elections
Purpose:
Article VII of the Kentucky Constitution outlines the rules and principles governing voting rights (suffrage) and the administration of elections within the state.
Key Provisions of Article 7:
Eligibility to Vote:
Every citizen of the United States who is at least 18 years old, and has resided in Kentucky and the precinct for the time prescribed by law, is entitled to vote.
Disqualifications:
Individuals convicted of felonies, bribery, or infamous crimes are disqualified from voting unless their civil rights have been restored.
Voter Registration:
The General Assembly may require registration of voters as a condition for voting.
Election Methods and Timing:
Elections must be free and equal.
General elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, aligning with federal election dates.
Secret Ballot:
The Constitution mandates the use of a secret ballot to ensure voting privacy.
Electoral Integrity:
Provisions are made to prevent election fraud, bribery, and coercion.
Military and Absentee Voting:
The General Assembly can enact laws to ensure that members of the armed forces, residents temporarily outside the state, and others unable to vote in person can still cast absentee ballots.
Contested Elections:
Procedures for resolving disputes in election results are also included, often handled by legislative bodies or courts.
Significance:
Article 7 establishes the foundation for democratic participation in Kentucky and protects both the rights of voters and the integrity of the electoral process. It is supplemented by statutes passed by the General Assembly to implement and regulate specific aspects of elections.
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