More Kentucky homeless people are voting, but some see that as a bad thing

The Louisville Courier Journal printed an article today about an increase in the voter registration of homeless people in Kentucky.  KFTC members have been a part of that increase by actively registering people in low-income communities (including homeless people) across the state.

One might imagine that increased voter participation by some of our otherwise least empowered citizens would be a good thing, but Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown and Secretary of State candidate Bill Johnson argue that it's troubling because of potential voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of such fraud.

State Board of Elections Executive Director Sarah Ball Johnson and Secretary of State Elaine Walker both defended the longstanding practice of allowing homeless people to vote In Kentucky and we thank them. 

Kentucky sees increase in homeless voters - Louisville Courier Journal

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky election officials have reported an increase in the number of voter registration forms from the homeless, raising concerns among some about potential election fraud.

After the small increase, State Board of Elections Executive Director Sarah Ball Johnson wrote in a memo to county clerks last week that applications should be approved if they have "homelessâ€ or "place to placeâ€ listed as addresses.

Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown said Tuesday he fears the policy could lead to vote fraud. He objected to the longstanding procedure in a letter to state election officials.

"While I can certainly understand the good intentions of the policy and the effort not to disenfranchise or prevent a truly homeless person from the voting process, I find the policy totally unacceptable because of the huge potential for fraud,â€ Brown said in a letter...

For the full Associated Press story in the Courier Journal article, click Here.  

If you would like to send a letter to the editor responding to this story, you can use the Courier Journal's online submission for here.