A measure on Kentucky’s 2018 midterm election ballot known as “Marsy’s Law” will not be certified after the election next month because the ramifications of the amendment are too unclear, a Kentucky judge ruled Monday.
“The electorate cannot be expected to vote on a Constitutional amendment of which they are not adequately informed of the substance,” Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas wrote in an order Monday.
Wingate determined that although the ballot question cannot be eliminated, Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes may not certify the votes to make it official. Instead, the votes may be counted, but no action may be taken until a higher court examines the issue.
Bradford Queen, a spokesperson for Grimes, said that the secretary of state has been notified about the order and plans to adhere to Wingate’s instructions, per the Courier Journal.
The measure would add 10 new rights for crime victims to the Kentucky Constitution. Fifteen other states have adopted related amendments in their state constitutions.
Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has said they will appeal the decision, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.
The group said in a statement, “We strongly believe the ballot question drafted by the General Assembly adequately informs the voters and will immediately appeal the decision to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.”