Governor Gavin Newsom has less than 13 months left in office. During that time, he has the power to do something truly historic for justice and human dignity: commute every death sentence in California.

The League of Women Voters of California opposes the death penalty and supports criminal justice policies that protect human rights and reduce injustice. We are urging Governor Newsom to use his executive authority now to grant universal clemency – changing every death sentence in California to life in prison without the possibility of parole, so that no one can be executed.

There are currently 565 people on California’s death row – the largest death row in the nation and one of the largest in the world. Universal clemency would not only save hundreds of lives, it would also move California toward confronting the failures and inequities of its death penalty system.

There are two actions you can take. The first is:

Ask Governor Newsom to Choose Mercy – Commute All Death Sentences

The second is reinforcing your email by sending a holiday card or postcard with a simple, powerful message.

You can keep it brief by writing “Dear Governor Newsom, Choose mercy. Please commute the sentences of every person on death row in California.” You may also choose to add a holiday greeting in your family’s tradition (for example, “Wishing you and your family peace this holiday season” or a greeting from your own faith or cultural tradition), along with your call for clemency.

Address:

Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O St.
Ste. 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

But even if you do send a handwritten card, please also:

Send an email asking the Governor to choose mercy.

Sincerely,

Jenny Farrell
Executive Director