ACLU-KY members and supporters are cycling through many post-election emotions, including fear, shock, anger, rage, resignation, sadness, or even numbness. These feelings are all valid as we face the painful road ahead, especially those of us who come from communities that have been singled out by the President-elect’s extreme policy proposals.
Our democracy has long been imperiled, and for more than 100 years the ACLU has embraced our charge to protect it. Here at the ACLU of Kentucky our energies and efforts are focused on the state and local level. We had an extraordinarily busy Election Day in the office. Our legal team supported Election Protection work across Kentucky, as they processed reports of tech failures preventing voters from casting ballots in Jefferson County.
We filed an emergency action with the Kentucky Democratic Party hoping to keep polls open longer so voters would not suffer because of inexcusable failures of the County Clerk's Office. Ultimately, our litigation was not successful, but I was so proud of our team’s work. We have received such heartwarming feedback from folks expressing how much it meant to them to know ACLU-KY was monitoring the election so closely, listening to what voters were saying, and acting on their behalf. Even when we don't win, we show up. The showing up matters and will continue to matter in the years ahead.
As we move forward with our mission, we must continue to look for hope and pause to celebrate victories. The resounding defeat of Amendment 2 is cause for celebration: taxpayer dollars for our public schools will stay in our public schools. Judge Goodwine’s win as the first Black woman on the Kentucky Supreme Court is notable as we contemplate our state court work moving forward. It was also a historic evening for Black and LGBTQ candidates in the commonwealth. ACLU-KY Breaking Barriers Council member Katima Smith-Willis became the youngest Black Frankfort City Commissioner. Emma Curtis is Lexington’s first transgender councilmember. Former ACLU-KY policy strategist and State Representative Keturah Herron is now a Senator-Elect.
As our democracy is stressed and tested in the years ahead, we will be calling on these leaders and working in our state courts to hold the government accountable and protect people’s rights under Kentucky’s constitution. For those looking for ways engage with us at this moment consider the following:
- Donate to ACLU-KY to support our legal, policy, and public education efforts. Donate Today | ACLU of Kentucky
- Stay informed about the top civil rights and liberties issues in Kentucky by joining our mailing. Sign-up is at the top of the home page.
- If you want to join our volunteer advocates or volunteer your time supporting ACLU-KY events and activities, fill out our volunteer interest form ACLU of Kentucky | Volunteer Interest Form
- Back in 2016, the ACLU led the legal fight against the Trump administration’s transgressions and we’re ready to go it again in 2024. The ACLU already has a roadmap for protecting civil rights and liberties for the second Trump presidency. You can take a look at it here: The Trump Memos Compilation | American Civil Liberties Union
Our cause is still just. Our vision for a Kentucky and a country where all enjoy dignity and freedom is more necessary than ever. Thank you for standing with us.