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2026 election issues

Community Voice

Governor's Pardon Power

Kentucky voters are deciding on a constitutional amendment in the 2026 election that would limit the governor's power to issue pardons and commutations during the 60 days before gubernatorial elections through inauguration. This directly affects the 2027 governor's race.

Should Kentucky voters approve the amendment limiting the governor's pardon power around elections?

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How important is this to you?

Sources

WDRB+WAVE News — https://www.wdrbwave.com/2026/09/28/kentucky-voters-will-decide-whether-limit-governors-pardon-power-around-elections
"Kentucky voters will decide whether to limit governor's pardon power around elections"
https://www.wdrbwave.com/2026/09/28/kentucky-voters-will-decide-whether-limit-governors-pardon-power-around-elections
"The amendment passed the Kentucky General Assembly with broad support. Because it changes the state constitution, however, it cannot take effect unless Kentucky voters approve it."
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Voters should approve the constitutional amendment limiting gubernatorial pardon powers around elections.
  2. Voters should carefully consider the amendment's merits before deciding on pardon power limits.
  3. The current governor's pardon powers should remain unchanged without new restrictions.
  4. Pardons should require legislative or judicial oversight instead of executive discretion.
  5. The governor's pardon power should be eliminated entirely in favor of judicial processes.

2026 U.S. Senate race in Kentucky

Kentucky's 2026 U.S. Senate race is drawing early attention from Fayette County voters. Democrat Charles Booker's campaign is getting notice — panelists on KET's Comment on Kentucky say his positions on data centers are animating both Republican and Democratic voters — but he faces name-recognition and travel challenges outside urban areas like Lexington, along with a steep fundraising disadvantage against Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr. Both camps are racing to collect endorsements and money ahead of the primaries, with the Democratic nomination still to be settled.

Who are you inclined to support in Kentucky's 2026 U.S. Senate race?

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Sources

Comment on Kentucky panelists — https://www.pbs.org/video/september-25-2026-H8bfkW
His stuff on data centers is animating voters, Republican and Democrat, across Kentucky. But is he getting out there as much as Barr? ... It's really hard to compete with a lot of money. And that's what Barr has.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Support Charles Booker, whose platform on issues like data centers appeals across party lines
  2. Support the Democratic nominee, whoever emerges, to mount a strong middle-of-the-road challenge
  3. Undecided — I'll wait until the nominees are set and the general election campaign takes shape
  4. Support Andy Barr, whose congressional experience and fundraising make him a strong contender
  5. Support the most conservative Republican nominee to keep Kentucky's Senate seat firmly red

Fayette County and Lexington local elections

Fayette County is holding elections for local offices in 2026, with primaries on May 19 and the general election on Nov. 3. County voters will choose a judge/executive, county attorney, sheriff, clerk, coroner, property valuation administrator, surveyor, and soil and water conservation district board members, while Lexington voters elect a mayor, three at-large council members, and district council seats — offices that control local policing, development, taxation, and services.

What should Fayette County voters prioritize in the 2026 local elections?

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How important is this to you?

Sources

Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Fayette_County,_Kentucky,_elections,_2026
Fayette County, Kentucky, is holding elections for local offices in 2026... Fayette County Judge/Executive ... Fayette County Sheriff ... Mayor of Lexington ... Lexington City Council At-large Vote for 3
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Back candidates who prioritize affordable housing, public transit, and expanded social services
  2. Back candidates who will manage Lexington's growth while protecting neighborhoods and services
  3. Undecided — I still need to research the local candidates and their positions
  4. Back candidates who emphasize public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal discipline
  5. Back candidates who will cut local spending, taxes, and regulation