Kentucky voters to decide election-period limit on governor’s clemency powers

STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1

The Kentucky General Assembly has referred a proposed constitutional amendment to voters that would restrict the governor’s clemency powers around gubernatorial elections. Kentucky voters will decide the proposal Nov. 3.

The proposal, outlined in Senate Bill 10, would prohibit the governor from granting pardons, commuting sentences or issuing reprieves during a defined period surrounding a gubernatorial election. That period would begin 60 days before the election and continue through the fifth Tuesday afterward.

The proposed restriction is tied specifically to gubernatorial elections. It would establish a temporary prohibition on those three powers during the specified period, rather than eliminate them from the Kentucky Constitution.

The restriction would not apply to the governor’s power to remit fines and forfeitures. The existing constitutional exception concerning impeachment also would remain in place under the proposal.

Voters will choose whether to add the election-period restriction to the state constitution. A “yes” vote would add it, while a “no” vote would leave the current constitutional language unchanged.

The General Assembly’s referral puts the proposed change before voters; it does not itself add the restriction to the constitution. The decision on the amendment now goes to Kentucky voters in the November election.

Key Facts:
– The Kentucky General Assembly referred the proposal to voters.
– The amendment is outlined in Senate Bill 10.
– The vote is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
– The restriction would run from 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the fifth Tuesday afterward.
– Pardons, sentence commutations and reprieves would be prohibited during that period.
– The power to remit fines and forfeitures would not be restricted.

What’s Next:
Voters can review official amendment information from the Kentucky Secretary of State before casting their ballots. They will decide whether to approve the constitutional change on Nov. 3. Review the Kentucky Constitution here.