It’s hard to imagine that after all that work done to pass repeal in Nebraska, the debate over the death penalty is still not over. But it’s not.
Why? Because some lawmakers are clinging so desperately to the death penalty that they are scrambling to get illegal execution drugs and trying to force the issue onto the ballot. If death penalty supporters get enough signatures, a decision about death penalty repeal will go on the November 2016 ballot in Nebraska.
(We put together a geeky rundown of the “Veto referendum” process, since our equally-geeky rundown of the Nebraska legislative process was so popular.)
The incredible team on the ground in Nebraska has regrouped after their amazing victory and are prepared to fight this effort at each step of the process.
Last month, Nebraskans for Public Safety officially launched, bringing together many of the great coalition partners who supported repeal efforts, including Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and the ACLU of Nebraska. Nebraskans for Public Safety is continuing to educate Nebraskans about the failures of the death penalty and encouraging citizens to “Decline to Sign” the petition that would put death penalty repeal on the ballot. The campaign has already released television and radio ads to help Nebraskans across the state understand what’s at stake.
No matter where you live, you can support repeal in Nebraska by using your social media power. Make sure all of your friends in Nebraska know about Nebraskans for Public Safety and know to “Decline to Sign.” Share this Buzzfeed story on Facebook, and tell your followers how ridiculous it is that Nebraska continues to fight for this broken, outdated policy.
And if you live in Nebraska, you can join the effort right away. Sign up with Nebraskans for Public Safety to help educate citizens before they sign and to monitor the petition-gathering process for fraud and abuse. And be sure to like Nebraskans for Public Safety on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
