Yes on 34: Justice that Works

We need justice that works. The death penalty in California does not work. Prop 34 is a rational reform written by very smart, progressive people who thought through the ramifications and figured out how to write a reform law that will work. Under Prop 34, we would replace the death penalty with life without possibility of parole, as the maximum punishment for murder. This will save money ($130 million/year according to the LAO). Prop 34 would also put some of that freed-up money towards more effective justice: the investigation and unsolved rape and murder cases. That's a good thing.

Prop 34 will mean that California will stop running the risk of executing an innocent person. I'm sure you've heard of the hundreds of people who have been wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. Texas has already executed at least two people who have since been demonstrated, by independent analyses, to have been innocent. California has had many people on death row who were later proved to be innocent. We cannot continue to take that risk.

Prop 34 will have California join with others states -- Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey -- that have replace the death penalty with life without parole.

If you want to know more, check out the campaign. See the widespread support: the former warden of San Quentin, innumerable law enforcement personnel, gobs of media outlets, League of Women Voters, Democratic Party, groups working with low-income and immigrant communities, and many more.

Support justice that works, vote Yes on 34.