American Civil Liberties Union

Alabama

Alabama: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Arkansas

Arkansas: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Arizona

Arizona: Promote Death Penalty Abolition in Arizona!

The biggest need right now in Arizona is public education efforts to draw attention to the issue of capital punishment and the need to fix this broken system. The ACLU of Arizona is asking abolition advocates to write letters to the editor of their local newspapers about the Troy Davis case and how it showcases the need to end the death penalty, across the country and at here at home. You can also take the action below and send a letter to Governor Brewer and your state legislators, letting them know that you support abolition of the death penalty.

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

California

Are you ready? WE ARE. It's time to end the death penalty.

California is ready to vote YES for a SAFE California

On November 6, 2012 California voters will have a chance to replace our state's broken death penalty with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

California's death penalty was voted in by an initiative in 1978 so the only way for Californians to vote it out is through another ballot initiative. At over 700 death row inmates and a cost of nearly $1 billion in five years, California has the nation's biggest and most costly death penalty in the nation.

The SAFE California campaign is ready to put an end to death sentences in the upcoming November 2012 election. SAFE California is currently looking for supporters across the county to host house parties to help spread the word about SAFE. If you would like to host a party, sign up today!

Sign up to volunteer with the SAFE California Campaign.

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Colorado

Colorado: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Connecticut

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to New York, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Dist. of Columbia

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

The District of Columbia abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1981. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to the District, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Delaware

Delaware: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Florida

Florida: Ask Gov. Scott to Stop Signing Death Warrants

Call or write Governor Scott today and ask him to stop signing death warrants

Governor Rick Scott
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Tele: 850-488-7146
Fax: 850-487-0801
Email: Rick.Scott@eog.myflorida.com

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

In addition to taking action above, please join us for these events on execution days:

DAYTONA BEACH: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church: We travel to Starke to pray for the condemned and victims on execution day. Our bus leaves at 12:30PM. Our prayerful presence makes the statement that all killing is wrong and the State of Florida does not kill in our name. We encourage all, no matter their personal feelings about capital punishment, to join us as believers in the sanctity of all life. If you would like to join us, please call the parish office 386.255.0433.

DUVAL COUNTY: Vigil with us for any upcoming executions, and stand up for an end to the death penalty in Florida. In front of the Duval County Courthouse located at 330 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville. Time: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Signs provided or bring your own. For more information, contact Jackie Gunning at 904-449-3328.

FLAGLER COUNTY: Stand with us in support of life and dignity within a peaceful vigil in front of the Flagler County Courthouse from 3:30-4:30 P.M on execution days. Join us at the Courthouse on 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. For information please contact Jackie Morelewicz by email Jackiem@cfl.rr.com or phone 386-986-3146.

GAINESVILLE: To carpool to death row , gather at the UU Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th Street by 2:15 PM. CONTACT: Amy Jo Smith at 352-284-1749 or smithaj@bellsouth.net. Those unable to come to Starke are invited to make their own signs and be visible on the corner of University Ave. and 13th St. in Gainesville. The execution is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

PALM BEACH GARDENS: Pax Christi Palm Beach will be standing in silent protest to the state sponsored killing being done in our name. We will gather before the Cathedral of St. Ignatius (N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens) on execution days at 3:45PM on Tuesday, November 15th. Please contact Maureen O'Connell (dorneyoc@aol.com) or Beth Cioffoletti (qbeth@bellsouth.net) for more information.

PINELLAS COUNTY: Join Pax Christi Tampa Bay, Peace First, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other death penalty opponents at an anti-death penalty vigil from 3:30-4:30 PM on execution days, at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County. Park in the lot next to Checkers on the northwest corner of the intersection. Signs will be provided, or you can bring your own. FMI: arichter58@msn.com or 727-573-2935.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY: Join us for standing execution vigils on execution days, in front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall at the corner of A1A and 16th Street. Time: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Signs provided or bring your own. 'We cannot teach that killing is wrong by killing.' Contact for more information -- Nancy O'Byrne at 904-461-9216 or obyrnen@bellsouth.net

STARKE (Florida State Prison): Gather ACROSS from Florida State Prison on Highway 16 in Starke/Raiford, FL on execution days starting by 3:00pm. Please bring signs if you have them. NOTES from FADP: Florida State Prison is on the West side of the road. The designated protest area is on the East side of the road, with the entry road being opposite of the main entry to FSP and designated, 'New River Correctional Institution'. Public bathrooms at SE corner of red brick bldg. is usually open. We are unaware of any restrictions on the nature of signs, please bring clear and concise messages, printed boldly, with high contrast between the text and the background. Some signs will be available. Wear closed shoes and socks to protect yourself from the occasional presence of fire ants. With high profile state killings, airport rules apply.

TALLAHASSEE: Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty, the Florida Catholic Conference, PAX Christi and concerned citizens gather at 3:45 PM, on execution days in front of the Governor's mansion. On the day following the execution at 12 noon, we invite all interested parties to meet for a Service of Remembrance at the Great Seal of Florida in the Rotunda of the Capitol. For additional information, contact Shirley Poore (shirleypoore@comcast.net) or 850-893-6838 or Juvais Harrington (juvais@harringtonconsulting.us).

Georgia

Georgia: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Hawaii

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Hawaii abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1957. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Hawaii, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Iowa

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Iowa abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1965. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Iowa, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Idaho

Idaho: Join us in standing up against the death penalty!

After 17 years with no executions carried out, Idaho executed Paul Ezra Rhoades in November of 2011. A few months later the Idaho Department of Corrections made public their intentions to carry out 3 more executions within the next couple of years. Contact the ACLU of Idaho to learn more about immediate actions and educational activities to end the death penalty in Idaho. For more information: 208-344-9750x202 or admin@acluidaho.org

Illinois

Bring Back the Death Penalty to Illinois? Heck No!

Illinois' death penalty system was a national embarassment. On March 9th, with the stroke of his pen, Governor Pat Quinn repealed the law - ending a shameful period in Illinois history, during which 20 men sentenced to death have been exonerated and released from the state's death row.

Now some legislators in Springfield want to bring it back. Tell them HECK NO!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact the ACLU of Illinois to find out what you can do to make sure the death penalty stays a thing of the past in Illinois.

Indiana

Indiana: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Kansas

Kansas: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Kentucky

Kentucky: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Louisiana

Louisiana: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Massachusetts

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Massachusetts abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1984. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Massachusetts, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Maryland

Maryland: Thank House Judiciary Committee Chairman Vallario

The House Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing on the death penalty repeal bill, during which more than a dozen murder victim family members, advocates, and clergy called for an up or down vote on the floor of the House of Delegates. Only one opponent testified against the bill. There are an unprecedented 66 co-sponsors of HB949.

PLEASE CALL HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOE VALLARIO at (410) 841-3488, (301) 858-3488 and/or 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3488 (toll free) to thank him for holding a hearing on HB949, and ask him to please call HB949 for a vote in committee.

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Maine

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Maine abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1887. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Maine, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Michigan

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Michigan abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1846. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Michigan, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Minnesota

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Minnesota abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1911. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Minnesota, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Missouri

Missouri: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Mississippi

Mississippi: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Montana

Montana: Join the movement to abolish the death penalty

The ACLU of Montana belongs to the Montana Abolition Coalition, a nonprofit organization bringing together diverse groups united in their opposition to the death penalty and their commitment to seeing its end in Montana. Together we have passed an abolition bill in Montana's Republican-controlled Senate during the past two legislative sessions and have been only votes away from getting it onto the floor of the Montana House of Representatives. Learn more: www.mtabolitionco.org.

North Carolina

North Carolina: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

WAIT! There's more to do... Recently, North Carolina legislators voted to repeal the Racial Justice Act (RJA), a landmark law that helps prevent executions based on race in North Carolina. Gov. Bev Perdue responded by vetoing the repeal, leaving the RJA intact for now. Contact the governor and thank her for standing up for this important law! Call (800) 662-7952 or email governor.office@nc.gov.

Want to do EVEN more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

North Dakota

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

North Dakota abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1973. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to North Dakota, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Nebraska

Nebraska: Sign Our Petition to Governor Heineman!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
The NH Civil Liberties Union is a key coalition partner to the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, a nonprofit organization bringing together diverse groups in their opposition to the death penalty and their commitment to working towards its repeal in New Hampshire. Membership in NHCADP is free and open to all. Learn more at www.nodeathpenaltynh.org

New Jersey

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

New Jersey abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 2007. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to New Jersey, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

New Mexico

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

New Mexico abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 2009. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to New Mexico, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Nevada

Nevada: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

New York

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to New York, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Ohio

Ohio: Contact Governor Kasich and Ask for a Halt to Executions!

On September 8, 2011, Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor announced that she would create a study commission to review the death penalty. Unfortunately, the state has continued to schedule executions through 2013, meaning people could be put to death before the commission releases its findings.

Contact Governor John Kasich today and tell him to halt all executions while the commission conducts its review.

Take Action: Call 614-466-3555 or complete this web form.

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Oregon

Thank Governor Kitzhaber for Stopping the Execution of Gary Haugen!

Please join the ACLU of Oregon in thanking Gov. Kitzhaber for stopping the scheduled execution of Gary Haugen by granting him a temporary reprieve. Without the courageous action of the governor, Oregon would have carried out its first execution in 14 years.

The ACLU of Oregon, together with our coalition partners, petitioned the governor to take this action. In addition, almost a thousand Oregonians contacted him through our online action alert system, urging to stop the execution.

The most powerful indictment of the death penalty came from Gov. Kitzhaber himself at the press conference announcing his decision: “The death penalty is morally wrong and unjustly administered... In my mind it is a perversion of justice.”

Take action now: Thank Governor Kitzhaber for his historic decision to stop the execution of Gary Haugen.

The governor called upon the Oregon Legislature to propose reforms to our broken death penalty system. The ACLU of Oregon will track these efforts closely and be sure to bring your voice to the table whenever possible. In the meantime, we continue our ongoing work with allies to put an end to the death penalty in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania: Contact the Governor and Legislature and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

A death penalty abolition bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania: Senate Bill 423. Make sure to ask the Governor and your legislators to support SB 423 in your letter!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Rhode Island

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Rhode Island abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1984. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Rhode Island, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

BUT WAIT! There's actually an action you can take right now! Governor Chaffee has refused to transfer an inmate to the federal government to face death penalty charges, specifically citing opposition ot the death penalty as his reason for doing so. Read more here then contact the Governor and thank him for his stand!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

South Carolina

South Carolina: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

South Dakota

South Dakota: Contact Us to Work on Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Tennessee

Tennessee: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Texas

Texas: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Utah

Utah: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Virginia

Virginia: Contact the Governor and Ask for Abolition of the Death Penalty!

Take action NOW via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Vermont

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Vermont abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1964. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Vermont, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

Washington

The ACLU of Washington is a lead organization in Safe and Just Alternatives, a campaign that seeks to have the state legislature replace the death penalty with life in prison without parole. SJA includes people of faith, law enforcement officials, family members of crime victims, and community leaders from across the state who believe that the death penalty is wasteful, unfair, and fails to protect public safety. Learn more: www.sjawa.org

Wisconsin

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

Wisconsin abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1853. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to Wisconsin, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.

West Virginia

Good News! There's No Death Penalty in Your State!

West Virginia abolished the death penalty for state crimes in 1965. There's not currently any threat of the death penalty returning to West Virginia, but you can STILL work to make abolition a reality for the rest of the country!

Sign our pledge to work to end the death penalty nationwide, by promising to take action whenever necessary to pass federal legislation, urge clemency or promote exoneration of the innocent.

Pledge to End the Death Penalty via our Action Center!

Want to do more? Contact your state ACLU affiliate to find out what you can do to end capital punishment in your state and across the country.