Take Action

#1. Send a letter to your Governor. Wrongful convictions, racially biased sentencing, and gross miscarriages of justice in life and death cases happen throughout the country. Let your Governor know that you want a thorough investigation of the criminal justice system in your state. Elected officials are far more likely to be influenced by a letter or a telephone call than an email. The more they receive the bigger the impact. Scroll to the bottom of the page and download the letter to your Governor in your state.

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#2.Email your Governor your thoughts on the criminal justice system in your state.

#3.Write a letter to the editor. Letters to your local paper can be an important way to make your voice heard. Some suggested talking points are on this site, but the letter will be strongest - and have the best chance of publication - if you use them only as inspiration and write with your own voice.

#4.Register to vote and hold public officials accountable for the quality of justice in your criminal justice system. As a registered voter, you can work toward making changes in the system by voting on the issues and electing officials who promote your position on the death penalty and criminal justice reform.

#5. Make a financial contribution to a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing fairness in the criminal justice system. Our resources page provides a good list of organizations to get you started.

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Find your state's letter to the Governor:

Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming