Limiting the governor's pardon power
A constitutional amendment on every Kentucky ballot in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election — including in Fayette County — would bar future governors from issuing pardons or commutations during the 60 days before a gubernatorial election through inauguration. The amendment passed the General Assembly with broad support and would not change Gov. Beshear's current powers; a yes vote writes the restriction into the constitution for future governors, while a no vote leaves the current language unchanged.
Should Kentucky amend its constitution to restrict the governor's pardon power around elections?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Kentucky General Assembly — 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... A 'yes' vote would approve the constitutional change and create the 60-day restriction before future gubernatorial elections through the governor's inauguration.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Vote no — clemency is a vital check on injustice and shouldn't be constitutionally restricted
- Vote no — the governor's current pardon powers work fine and don't need changing
- Undecided — I see both the risk of lame-duck abuse and the value of unfettered clemency
- Vote yes — a narrow 60-day restriction around elections is a sensible guardrail against abuse
- Vote yes, and I'd support even broader limits on the governor's pardon and commutation powers