Kentucky Voters Limit Governor's Pardon Power in Constitutional Amendment

Kentucky voters approved a constitutional amendment on November 4, 2026, that limits the governor's authority to issue pardons and commute sentences. The measure prohibits clemency actions starting 60 days before a gubernatorial election and lasting until the inauguration of the next term. Approximately 70% to 71% of voters supported the amendment, with more than 745,000 casting yes votes.

Republican State Senator Chris McDaniel drove the initiative in response to the actions of former Governor Matt Bevin. In 2019, Bevin issued over 400 pardons and commutations, including those for convicted rapists and murderers, just before leaving office. This marks the first constitutional amendment approved by Kentucky voters since 2020.

Governor Andy Beshear opposed the amendment, arguing that voters should hold leaders accountable at the ballot box rather than restricting the authority of all future governors. While Beshear agreed that Bevin abused his power, he maintained that the solution was to avoid electing similar leaders rather than changing the pardon power for every governor.