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Kentucky Voters to Decide Whether to Limit Governor’s Pardon Power Around Elections
Backers say the amendment would curb end-of-term clemency after former Gov. Matt Bevin issued hundreds of controversial pardons.
- Kentucky voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve Amendment 1, restricting governors from issuing pardons or commuting sentences during the 60 days before a gubernatorial election and until inauguration.
- State Senator Chris McDaniel sponsored the amendment following former Governor Matt Bevin's controversial 2019 end-of-term pardons, arguing the measure introduces necessary checks on executive authority to prevent abuse.
- Governor Andy Beshear opposes the change, arguing voters should "elect good governors" instead, while the ACLU of Kentucky expressed concern about "amending the constitution in response to potentially one bad actor."
- Former Public Advocate Damon Preston argues the amendment could prevent governors from granting mercy to death row inmates who waive appeals, potentially blocking critical interventions if executions resume.
- Voters must weigh whether to permanently restrict executive power or rely on electoral accountability, as McDaniel maintains "unchecked power does not belong" in the governor's office.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Kentucky voters will decide whether to amend constitution to limit governor’s clemency powers
Spurred by the controversial pardons of former Gov. Matt Bevin, Kentucky voters will decide whether to amend the constitution to limit a governor’s clemency power at the end of their term.
·Louisville, United States
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Constitutional amendment on Kentucky ballot could limit governor’s powers; KSP continues investigation into 2024 Caldwell County murder
Kentucky voters will be able to vote on a constitutional amendment that would limit the governor’s powers, specifically for pardons and commuting sentences, in this year's midterm election set for Nov. 3. And KSP Post 2 continues its investigation into…
·Paducah, United States
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Hanford SentinelReposted by 
Hastings Tribune
Hastings TribuneOne item on the Kentucky ballot could limit governor pardons after Bevin controversy. Here’s how
LEXINGTON, Ky. — An upcoming amendment on the general election ballot could limit when Kentucky’s governor is able to pardon people convicted of crimes. Voters will see a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot that would prevent the state’s…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 27%
C 55%
R 18%
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