Kentucky voters have approved Constitutional Amendment 1 in Tuesday’s General Election, placing new restrictions on the governor’s authority to issue pardons and commute criminal sentences. The amendment prohibits governors from exercising those powers beginning 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the fifth Tuesday following the election. The proposal was introduced by Republican State Senator Chris McDaniel following former Governor Matt Bevin’s controversial pardons and commutations after the 2019 election. McDaniel thanked voters for approving the measure and acknowledged colleagues from both political parties who helped bring it to the ballot. The restrictions will apply to future Kentucky governors regardless of political affiliation. Source: Kentucky Senator Chris McDaniel #AppalachiaInsider #KentuckyElection #Amendment1 #KentuckyNews #Election2026 #EasternKentucky