KENTUCKY — The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky recently launched the most expansive voter registration and engagement campaign in its history.
During this In Focus Kentucky, American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky Smart Justice Organizing Coordinator, Marcus Jackson explains more about this new campaign and several other Election related topics and issues.
Restoration happens automatically, but you must still register to vote if your rights were restored.
Through an executive order signed on December 12, 2019, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear restored voting rights to people with some past felony convictions who have completed their full sentence, probation, and parole OR who are on probation/parole only because of unpaid fines or restitution.
Rights were not restored to people who were:
- convicted of bribery; treason; sex offenses; and some "violent" offenses, as defined by Kentucky law
- convicted in a different state
- convicted of federal crimes
What if my rights were not restored? If your rights were not restored, you can petition the Governor for restoration of civil rights. The application is free and can be found here. The application takes up to 12 weeks to process.
What if I think my rights should have been restored, but my name is not in the database? All people who qualify should have their rights restored automatically. If you believe your rights should have been restored, call the Kentucky Department of Corrections 502-782-9731 or email them at CivilRights.Restoration@KY.gov.