Kentucky voters will decide on Amendment 1 during the November 3 general election, a proposed constitutional change that would restrict when governors can issue pardons or commute criminal sentences. If approved, the amendment would prohibit those actions beginning 60 days before a gubernatorial election and continuing through Inauguration Day. The governor would retain those powers outside that period. The proposal follows controversial pardons issued by former Gov. Matt Bevin after losing his reelection bid in 2019. Republican Kentucky Senator Chris McDaniel, who championed the amendment, argues the restriction would strengthen accountability by ensuring governors face voters over their pardon decisions. Democratic Governor Andy Beshear opposes the measure, arguing that Bevin’s actions do not justify restricting the authority of future governors. What would your vote mean? • YES: Amend the Constitution to establish the temporary restriction. • NO: Keep the governor’s existing pardon and commutation authority unchanged. Kentucky voters will make the final decision on November 3. Source: LEX18 #AppalachiaInsider #KentuckyElection #Amendment1 #KentuckyPolitics #EasternKentucky #Election2026