November’s midterm election is big for Kentucky. Here’s what is on the line

Voters in Kentucky will head to the polls Nov. 8 to participate in a slew of local, state and federal races, and the Herald-Leader would like to help ensure you are informed before you cast your ballot.

County elections officials have begun mailing ballots to those who apply and are eligible to vote absentee by mail, and the deadline to register to vote in Kentucky is Oct. 11.

In support of a robust democracy, the Herald-Leader believes voters should have easy access to the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box. As such, we welcome your questions about the process, candidates, hot topics and more ahead of November.

The Herald-Leader has already begun publishing candidate guides and following key issues, but we’d like to hear from you.

You can fill out the form at the bottom of this story to share your questions or ideas. Herald-Leader reporters will be reviewing the submissions and tracking down answers to popular questions and more.

Here’s what’s on the line Nov. 8 in Kentucky

• Perhaps the most high-profile item on November’s ballot is a state referendum on abortion, which all voters will see on their ballot. Kentucky Constitutional Amendment 2 seeks to set into state law that Kentuckians have no guaranteed right to an abortion under the state constitution. A “yes” vote supports granting the state General Assembly the sole regulatory authority on the matter and would prohibit courts from interpreting the constitution as protecting the right to an abortion. It has support among some evangelicals who are anti-abortion advocates. Groups opposing the amendment have called attention to how it does not include exceptions for rape, incest or all medically necessary interventions.
• A second question, Kentucky Constitutional Amendment 1, is also on the ballot. A “yes” vote to Amendment 1 supports the legislature’s right to set the end date of the legislative calendar, allowing elected officials to call themselves back for a special session of 12 days, regardless of the governor’s wishes. A “no” vote would retain the end dates set in the constitution. A key factor in the constitutional amendment is that it would allow the legislature to return to override a governor’s veto.
• All Kentucky voters will also see the midterm’s U.S. Senate race on ballot. Incumbent Rand Paul, R-Ky., is facing off against Democrat Charles Booker.
• Also on the ballot are races for the U.S. House, State Senate and State House. Fayette County matchups include Incumbent Andy Barr, R-Ky., and Democrat nominee Geoff Young for the U.S. House and incumbent Republican Donald Douglas and Democratic Party nominee Chuck Eddy for the Kentucky Senate’s District 22 seat.
• Voters will also make decisions in county races, like clerk, coroner, sheriff and more.
• Lexington has a number of city races, including mayor and city council.

What questions to do you have about the Nov. 8 election?

As Election Day gets closer, we’d like to know what questions you have and what topics you’d like to hear more candidates discuss.

Fill out the form below or email ask@herald-leader.com. We may use your questions or comments in stories to better inform readers or share feedback.

This story was originally published October 5, 2022 at 6:00 AM.