Kentucky Legislature Overrides Governor Bashear’s Veto On Voter ID Requirements

A veto made by Governor Andy Beshear opposing a voter ID law was defeated in the state legislature.

Lawmakers in both the Kentucky House and Senate voted to override Beshear’s veto of SB 2.

Republican state lawmakers called the proposed voter ID law one of their top priorities at the beginning of the 2020 legislative session.

Proponents said it would increase confidence in the state’s elections by preventing fraud, but Democrats are claim that problem doesn’t exist, adding the bill would keep legal voters from heading to the polls.

Voters would need a photo ID to cast a ballot in-person or through the mail. Senate Bill 2 also lays out a process to provide free IDs to people in need.

The debate Tuesday focused on the impacts of the coronavirus on the new rule.

“Our county clerks offices are closed and people cannot go and get a drivers license, even if they wanted one,” Minority Floor Leader Sen. Morgan McGarvey said. “You’re standing here today making it harder for people to vote.”

One of the bills sponsors responded by stating it would not impact the primary elections, now being held in June.

“This simply will not go into effect until November’s elections,” Republican Senator Robby Mills said. “I’m sure that we will have those clerks offices open and doing business later in the spring or summer and there’s going to be ample opportunity.”