2026 Statewide Ballot Question

Under Kentucky’s state constitution, governors currently have the power to remit fines and forfeitures, commute sentences, grant reprieves, and issue pardons.
In 2026 the General Assembly approved SB10, a bill to place an amendment to Kentucky’s Constitution on the ballot limiting this authority “for the period beginning sixty days prior to the date of the gubernatorial election and ending the fifth Tuesday succeeding the election.” SB10 also changes wording referring to the governor to reflect gender neutral language.
These changes will take effect if a majority votes YES on the measure in the 2026 General Election.

Click the button to read the entire wording of SB10, the bill proposing the changes. Underlining and italics indicate proposed changes to the current constitution.

See all legislative sponsors and vote history of SB10 on the Legislative Research Committee website HERE.

Find out more about this proposed amendment and the history of gubernatorial pardons in Kentucky from the nonpartisan website Ballotpedia HERE.

Local Ballot Issues

Some localities will have other issues on the ballot! Be sure to check YOUR ballot before election day to understand all the questions that you will face.

Lexington-Fayette County voters will face 3 local issue questions. Find out more HERE.