Kentucky is one of just five states that elect its governor during odd numbered years.

Today, lawmakers advanced a bill that could change that.

Republican state Senator Chris McDaniel is the sponsor of Senate Bill ten, which, if passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, would allow voters to decide if state elections for constitution officers should occur during the same time as presidential contests.

He says moving Kentucky's elections would save counties and the state money and increase voter turnout.

These are my remarks on the same subject from the 2014 session, which was the second time I had proposed this measure.

If we had passed this measure then and the voters had approved it, the counties of this Commonwealth would have already realized over $30 million in savings and the Commonwealth would have recognized nearly $4 million in savings, 2.5 million additional ballots would have been cast in gubernatorial elections and Kentuckians would have been spared countless hours of political ads interrupting their lives in odd numbered years.

But the bill drew criticism from many Democrats, including minority caucus Chair Senator Reggie Thomas of Lexington, who said the bill is purely political.

And is purely political, has nothing to do with with how well we've done as a state for focusing on Kentucky issues.

You know, how well those elections have have have stood up and have been honored.

This is purely a political measure designed to really be influenced by the presidential elections.

And the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 9.

Two Republicans joined all seven Democrats in the Senate opposing the bill.

If Senate Bill ten also passes the House, it would appear as a constitutional amendment on the November ballot for Kentucky voters to decide.