WHAT: Public hearing set for death penalty issue on November ballot
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
DATE: Thursday, Oct. 13
PLACE: University of Nebraska at Kearney, Student Union Ponderosa Room E
TOPIC: Referendum No. 426 asks voters to either retain or repeal Legislative Bill 268. In 2015, state lawmakers voted in favor of LB 268, which abolished the death penalty and also set a maximum penalty for a first-degree murder conviction at life in prison. Voters are being asked to decide whether to repeal LB 268, thereby, reinstating the death penalty.
HOSTED BY: Secretary of State John Gale
ABOUT: By state law, Gale is required to host hearings in each of Nebraska’s congressional districts whenever a petition issue is on the general election ballot.
QUOTE: “This is more than an informal town hall meeting,” said Gale. “All comments become part of a permanent record on the issue. The purpose of the public hearings is to help educate citizens and the media through a meaningful exchange of views on the subject prior to the general election.”
“Witnesses will be able to address the underpinnings of what this issue is about, but also how to interpret the language when it appears on the ballot,” explained Gale. “In this case, voting to either retain or repeal doesn’t apply to the death penalty itself. Rather, voters are being asked to decide whether to repeal LB 268, thereby, reinstating the death penalty.”
CONTACT: Laura Strimple, 402.471.8408
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