Kentucky Voters to Decide Amendment 1 in November: Pause on Pardons Around Gubernatorial Elections Sparks Debate
Kentucky voters will decide Amendment 1 in the November election: the amendment would prohibit the governor from issuing pardons or commutations from 60 days before a gubernatorial election through inauguration day, while leaving the governor's pardon power at other times unaffected. The proposal stems from former Governor Matt Bevin's issuance of more than 400 pardons and commutations in his final days before leaving office in 2019, which drew widespread controversy.
The amendment's sponsor, state Senator Chris McDaniel, says the restriction is meant to prevent abuse of power, arguing that allowing an outgoing governor to intervene in criminal cases during the sensitive moment of a power transition could shake the judicial system. Incumbent Governor Andy Beshear acknowledges Bevin's actions were 'excessive,' including pardoning felons, but opposes amending the state constitution, arguing voters should punish candidates who abuse power at the ballot box rather than restrict future governors' authority. If the amendment passes, the new temporary restriction will apply during gubernatorial election transition periods. Kentucky holds its general election on November 3, with early and absentee voting already under way.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 肯塔基州议会大厦 / Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort — TheLexingtonTimes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
