This morning Governor DeWine made his long-awaited remarks about the death penalty. He was thoughtful, deliberate and well-reasoned in why he's changed his mind on the death penalty.
"With the dramatic drop in people being executed, and the over two-decade wait time for those who are executed, it is hard to make the case for the death penalty being a deterrent...I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty." -Governor DeWine
The governor's remarks came with data points backing up his rationale. You can watch the press conference here. I recommend you watch it before taking the one action we're asking for today. There will be more actions in the next ten days.
The time is now!
Sign this petition letter. Thank Governor DeWine for his thoughtful consideration of this important issue and encourage him to use his executive power of clemency by signing this petition. People across the country are encouraged to sign and share the petition.
Governor DeWine noted the impact on victims' family members saying, "One feeling, however, that seems to be universally held by victims’ families is that the long, long wait to see if the death penalty is carried out is frustrating and very hurtful for these families." Governor DeWine also pointed to the impact executions have on corrections staff. "We must be mindful of the impact preparations for, and the carrying out of executions have on them. They are the forgotten people -- but they are real people. They are our fellow Ohioans," he said.