How a Representative Lottery Could Shape Lexington’s Future Government
What Is a Representative Lottery?
Lexington residents will have a chance to vote on three proposed city charter amendments in November. One of them, Charter Amendment 3, would create a Charter Review Assembly to examine the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Charter at least once every eight years.
But how would the assembly be selected? The answer is a process known as a representative lottery, designed to bring together a group that reflects the community’s diversity.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
Earlier this year, the Urban County Council approved three charter amendments for the November ballot. All three were recommended by Lexington’s First Civic Assembly, organized by CivicLex.
To select the assembly, organizers mailed 11,500 postcards to randomly chosen Lexington households. About 340 people responded, and their anonymous information was entered into software called Panelot.
The software generated 204 potential panels designed to reflect Lexington’s population across nine demographic categories, including:
- Age and race
- Income and housing status
- Education level
- Political registration
The goal was to create a group representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions.
CivicLex Communications Director Haley Wartell explained that the process essentially brings a small, representative version of Lexington into one room.
What Would the Three Amendments Change?
The proposed amendments address three key areas of local government:
- Amendment 1: Increase Urban County Council members’ pay starting in 2031.
- Amendment 2: Establish attendance and accountability standards for council members.
- Amendment 3: Create a Charter Review Assembly to conduct a comprehensive review of the city’s charter at least once every eight years.
Why Use a Representative Lottery?
Members of the First Civic Assembly recommended using a similar selection process for future charter reviews.
According to Wartell, participants valued the opportunity to hear different viewpoints, meet people they might not otherwise encounter, and build connections with fellow residents.
If Amendment 3 passes, the Urban County Council will make the final decision on how the future Charter Review Assembly is structured.
Upcoming Public Discussion
CivicLex will host an event at the Carnegie Center on October 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Organizers will explain the three proposed charter amendments that Fayette County voters will consider in November.
