Election results 2024: Kentucky Amendment 2 fails

A controversial constitutional amendment that had the power to drastically reshape Kentucky's education landscape has failed, with 65% of voters casting their ballots against the measure.

The Associated Press called the defeat at 8:42 p.m.

Amendment 2 asked voters if they wanted to revise the state constitution to let the legislature spend tax dollars on nonpublic education. The defeat means state lawmakers will not be able to fund a "school choice" program, such as charter schools or school vouchers.

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Kentucky Students First/Yes on 2 released a statement before the AP call, admitting the amendment appeared to be defeated on the ballot.

"Our coalition of parents, educators, and concerned Kentuckians fought hard to change the status quo protected by Kentucky’s education special interests," the statement read. "Though the results may not have been in our favor, this campaign has been a powerful force for standing up to the Kentucky education bureaucracy. Perpetuating the low performance of Kentucky’s education system is a disservice to our children and our Commonwealth. Kentucky students deserve better, and our resolve to serve students over systems remains unchanged."

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At an Election Night party, organized by opponents of the amendment, Kentucky Education Association President Ed Campbell said "this victory" is important to educators and students.

"The citizens of Kentucky have made it clear that investing investing in our public education is a non negotiable," Campbell said. "Investing in our local public schools is an investment in the future of our great commonwealth. Our public schools, our coalition, came together just like our public schools do in every single community all across the Commonwealth."

Maddie Shepard, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, said she is proud of all the community members and teachers who worked on the campaign against the amendment.

"We're really excited about the future, and what we have heard loud and clear tonight is that Kentucky not only believes in public schools, but we need to invest in legislation back in session," she said.

Gov. Andy Beshear posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, thanking Kentucky for "protecting public schools. ... Now, let's keep fighting for our kids, our teachers and the future of Kentucky."

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Supporters argued that passing the amendment would create more opportunities and lead to better outcomes for students, regardless of economic status. Opponents, meanwhile, argued the amendment would hurt public schools, including by diverting money away from them.

Both sides attracted high-profile support, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul advocating for the amendment and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear advocating against it.

The General Assembly passed the amendment during this year's legislative session because the state constitution allows tax dollars to only fund "common schools," which Kentucky courts have interpreted as public schools.

Lawmakers have tried to pass "school choice" policies in the past, including a funding mechanism for charter schools and a tax credit scholarship program. But both bills were blocked by the courts.

If Amendment 2 receives a majority of the votes, lawmakers could introduce a school choice program as early as next session.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.