Tell Gov. DeWine: Issue Commutations to Death Row Inmates

Image of DeWine, an electric chair, and a gavel

Most recent signers:

The background:

Under the Ohio Constitution, the Governor has the authority to issue commutations, as well as full pardons and temporary reprieves of death sentences, to those serving prison sentences. Commutations reduce the severity of a sentence to a lower sentence. For example, a death sentence could be reduced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, or life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years served.

Before he leaves office at the end of 2026, Gov. DeWine can and must use his executive authority to issue commutations to death row inmates who have exhausted all of their appeals in the courts. Commutations are the last resort for those on death row.

The impact:

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated given that a new Governor could decide to resume executions early in their term, especially amid ongoing pressure from the Trump administration to do so. Absent action from Gov. DeWine, 27 death row inmates (of the 108 currently on death row) are scheduled to be executed during the next Governor’s term, to say nothing of the remaining 81 who could well face scheduled executions in the years following.

Join us in calling for the Governor to use his executive authority to issue death row commutations before the end of his term.

The recipients:

Governor DeWine

Take Action

The background:

The impact:

Join us in calling for the Governor to use his executive authority to issue death row commutations before the end of his term.

The recipients:

Governor DeWine

[The Form Label field is hidden on ACLU message action forms]

Your Message

Subject Use Your Authority to Commute Death Sentences

Dear Governor DeWine,

I am calling on you to use your executive authority to issue commutations for the 108 inmates on death row.

Message Body

Taking action now quite literally could make the difference between life or death for those on death row, depending on the path future governors and legislators choose. Thank you for your attention to this urgent request and for your service to the people of Ohio.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Your Information

All data you enter here will be shared with the message recipient along with your message, per our privacy statement.

Salutation *

(required by some officials)

ABOUT HONORIFIC TITLES

Many public officials use "web mail forms" that this system will send your message to, so you don't have to visit their web sites to communicate with them. The systems that some of these officials use requires that the honorific field be used (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.).

Unfortunately, we do not have control of which honorific titles are presented as options. We must adhere to what the officials are using in order for your message to be delivered.

Alternate salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address line 2

City *

State *

Zip code *

Phone *

Show my name in a list of action takers.

Sign me up for ACLU emails so I can stay informed and take action to protect people's rights.

I agree to receive calls and texts (including automated recurring text messages) from the ACLU and its state affiliates at the number I provided above about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to quit. Privacy Statement

Leave this field blank

Tell Gov. DeWine: Issue Commutations to Death Row Inmates

Most recent signers:

The background:

The impact:

The recipients:

Take Action

The background:

The impact:

The recipients:

Recent participants