A referendum petition drive far exceeded the number of signatures needed to keep the repeal of the death penalty from taking effect…and to force a vote on the issue.
Nebraskans for the Death Penalty turned in more than 166-Thousand signatures to the Secretary of State. If around 60-Thousand are certified as valid, the issue goes to a vote of the people next November. If around 114-Thousand stand up, the legislature’s repeal of the death penalty doesn’t go into effect.
State Treasurer Don Stenberg, honorary co-chair of the petition drive, says the number speaks volumes. . .
State Senator Mike Groene (groan-ee) of North Platte argued during legislative debate that state lawmakers were going against the will of the people. He says that argument now will be tested. . .
The signatures now go through a verification process.
