Posted by: Dave Newton on June 4, 2013
We’re continuing to advance our campaign to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their debt to society – through field work, citizen lobbying, and other actions.
Here are a few highlights from recent weeks:
- Victory in Virginia! - In national news, the Republican Governor of Virginia Robert McDonnell took some big steps to restore voting rights to former felons by executive pardon. The measure excludes Virginians convicted of more serious crimes including some drug related crimes (about 40% total). It’s also not a blanket measure, so former felons still need to be identified individually to get their rights back, but it’s still a big step forward. This most recent move leaves Kentucky arguably farther behind than any other US state in having a navigable re-enfranchisement process. You can learn more here, here, here, and here.
Posted by: Tanya Turner on June 3, 2013
The Letcher County chapter has worked hard over the past year to raise local visibility of their work, build collaboration with neighboring chapters, and increasingly plan and participate in local trainings and events. With radio talk shows, newspaper ads and editorials, an increased facebook presence and more, the chapter is reaching and involving more and more people, from Blackey to Oven Fork. Through work with the Appalachia’s Bright Future conference silent auction, the Letcher Chapter has already raised over three fourths of their annual fundraising goal! The last calendar year alone has included potlucks, water testing and citizen lobbying trainings, art raffles, voter empowerment drives, and countless appearances at fiscal court meetings to speak out for clean water and safe mining in our communities.
Just in the last month, Letcher County KFTC members spoke out at a Public Service Commission hearing about a Kentucky Power proposal to raise local electric rates. They shared a message of vision, possibility and responsibility the company has to provide local ratepayers with the “least cost options” for long term, sustainable solutions.
Posted by: Dave Newton on May 30, 2013
Does the US Constitution say that you have a right to vote?
The answer may suprise you.
While several constitutional amendments prohibit discrimination based on race, sex and age, the language aways cuts carefully around just coming out and saying that you have the right to vote.
The 15th amendment to the constitution says the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." We usually sum that up by saying that the 15th amendment gave the right to vote to African Americans, but that's not exactly the same thing.
And we often describe the 26th amendment as granting the right to vote to 18-20 year-olds, but what is actually says is "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."
To put it another way, there is no explicit affirmative right to vote in the US Constitution.
Posted by: Dave Newton on May 30, 2013
Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes has been conducting a series of town meetings to gather input on election laws and practices.
The exact times and locations of the final three events are now set:
June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. CST – McCracken County: Robert Cherry Civic Center, 2701 Park Avenue, Paducah, KY
June 6th at 12:30 p.m. EST – Jefferson County: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th Street, Louisville, KY
June 20th at 5:30 p.m. EST – Madison County: Madison County Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond, KY
The format of the input meetings is fairly straightforward. It's a 60 minute discussion facilitated by the Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. There is some context at the beginning and some recognition of county clerks' office representatives.
But mostly, the event is focused on a series of questions like "What are your thoughts about our current voter registration process?" "18 states offer online voter registration. Should we try to move in that direction?" "What is your election day experience like?" and "32 states allow early voting. Should we allow no-excuse early voting in Kentucky too?"
Posted by: Joe Gallenstein on May 30, 2013
The Northern Kentucky chapter recently held a euchre tournament at Pike Street Lounge to help raise money for the work we are doing.
Posted by: KFTC on May 24, 2013
Kentucky writer Mary Ann Taylor-Hall hosted an "extraordinary literary event" at her home on Saturday to the great enjoyment of all present and the benefit of KFTC.
The pleasant evening with more than 50 in attendance included music, refreshment and readings by Kentucky writers Susan Starr Richards, Maurice Manning and Richard Taylor.
"We think there needs to be a strong and vibrant voice for advocacy," said Susan Starr Richards, who read an essay recounting an experience on her neighboring farm where she and husband Dick have raised horses. "KFTC advocates across a range of issues. It is essential to have their voice."
Posted by: Beth Bissmeyer on May 23, 2013
The Madison County chapter had a good, thoughtful chapter meeting this past Monday, May 20, in the beautiful Appalachian Center gallery at Berea College.
After a great icebreaker, Meta Mendel-Reyes facilitated an exercise from Peggy McIntosh’s “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” Everyone looked at a list of a couple dozen statements having to do with everyday life and checked off the ones they felt were true for them. This led to a discussion of how people felt about these statements and what they found surprising.
Posted by: Dave Newton on May 23, 2013
Sean O'Donley lives in Hardin County and works next door in Louisville as a network maintenance technician for the cable company.
He also works on racing car engines with his dad (at O'Donley Racing), likes to hunt, fish, and kayak when there's time.
"Though mostly I work," he tells me, smiling. "I stay pretty busy between my job and my family."
Sean grew up between McCraken and Caldwell counties in Western Kentucky and has lived in KY all his life. "I like it here and can't say I've ever had a reason to leave," Sean says.
He also follows politics. "Democrats think Democrats are smartest and Republicans think Republicans are the smartest," Sean says, laughing a little. "But I think we've all got to work together."
"Overall, I consider myself a Republican."
Although at 28 years old, Sean just recently got the right to vote for the first time in his life.
Posted by: Dave Newton on May 23, 2013
Last night, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes held a second town meeting, this one in Kenton County, to gather input from the public about election laws and processes in Kentucky.
About 60 people attended in all, including representatives from local county clerks' offices, political party groups, and Northern Kentucky KFTC members.
At the beginning of the event, Grimes recognzed KFTC and said that without us and other civic groups like the League of Women Voters, it wouldn't be possible to have smooth representative elections in Kentucky.
The format was simple - a 60 minute discussion facilitated by Alison Lundergan Grimes. There was some context at the beginning and some recognition of county clerks' office representatives, and then the audience was asked questions like "What are your thoughts about our current voter registration process?" "18 states offer online voter registration. Should we try to move in that direction?" "What is your election day experience like?" and "32 states allow early voting. Should we allow no-excuse early voting in Kentucky too?"
A few KFTC members were prepared to bring up the issue of restoration of voting rights for former felons who have served their debt to society, but Grimes beat us to it. She expressed her support in no uncertain terms and many people throughout the room voiced their support as well. This included Jim Cole, a representative of the AFL-CIO.
Posted by: Beth Howard on May 23, 2013
The Central Kentucky KFTC Chapter held its May chapter meeting on Thursday, May 16 at the Episcopal Mission House. The room was full with more than 20 members, including several who were attending the meeting for the first time.
The meeting focused on using communications for the work of justice. KFTC Communications Team member Tim Buckingham gave a presentation to members on the most effective ways to get their message heard in an age where we are bombarded with tons of information on a daily basis. Members learned best practices for working with the media and tips on writing letters to the editor, as well as framing our message based on our personal stories and our vision of what we want to see for Kentucky. Tim challenged members by asking: "The task of communication can feel daunting. Authenticity is the key. How will you engage other humans in a meaningful way?"
