FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, filed Senate Bill 10 this past Tuesday, Jan. 2, the first day of Kentucky's 2024 Legislative Session. 

What You Need To Know

  • State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, filed Senate Bill 10 this past Tuesday, Jan. 2

  • The bill proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky, as it would move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years 

  • Proponents of the bill argue it will help address voter fatigue, increase voter participation and improve cost-efficiencies for local governments 

  • Turnout in the 2023 general election was nearly 8.7% lower than four years ago 

The bill proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky if passed in the state Senate and House of Representatives, as it would move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. These positions include governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor. The amendment would need to garner majority support on the next general election ballot.

According to the Senate Majority Caucus, the bill's proponents say it will help address voter fatigue and increase voter participation while also improving cost-efficiencies for local governments. 

Despite recent bipartisan efforts to make it more accessible for Kentuckians to vote, turnout in the recent general election was nearly 8.7% lower than four years ago. The 2023 general election saw 1,326,441 Kentuckians vote compared to 1,452,616 in 2019, according to the State Board of Elections. 

During calendar years when primary and general elections no longer occur, the change would also save local governments approximately $13.5 million. 

"There have been heated and contentious elections almost every year," McDaniel said in a release. "We just finished a gubernatorial election where spending exceeded $44 million, resulting in endless campaign ads online, on our televisions and the radio, nonstop mailers in our mailboxes and even calls and text messages. In 2024, we will head right back into a presidential primary and general election. Giving voters a break from politics would be beneficial, especially as we continue to see increasing polarization.

“I encourage support of Senate Bill 10 in the Kentucky General Assembly and would also encourage support among Kentucky voters should it be placed on their 2024 election ballot.”

If passed by the Senate and House, Kentucky voters would ratify or reject the amendment on the 2024 election ballot. Under the amendment, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years and begin after the November 2027 election. Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky outlines amending the state constitution. 

More information about McDaniel and other proposed legislation from the 2024 session can be found at the Kentucky General Assembly website.

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