Kentucky Voters Consider Restricting Gubernatorial Pardon Powers
Kentucky voters began early voting Thursday on a constitutional amendment that would limit a governor's ability to issue pardons around election cycles.
Early voting began Thursday, October 30, in Kentucky for the November 3 election, featuring a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict gubernatorial pardon powers. The measure would prohibit governors from issuing pardons or commuting sentences during a window starting 60 days before a gubernatorial election and ending 35 days after the election, lasting until the December inauguration.
Chris McDaniel, the state senator who sponsored the amendment, argues the restriction is necessary to prevent the abuse of power seen during the term of former Governor Matt Bevin. Governor Andy Beshear opposes the amendment, suggesting that the solution is to elect trustworthy leaders rather than altering the constitutional powers of the office.
Concurrent with the pardon debate, Republican candidates for the state legislature hold a significant financial advantage. Political action committees have spent at least $1.6 million to support GOP candidates, while Democratic PACs have spent less than $30,000.
