LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale is pulling a set of public service announcements off the air amid criticism that they could mislead voters about a death penalty ballot measure.
Gale said Wednesday that the 30- and 60-second radio spots were intended to ensure voters understand the potentially confusing ballot language. Voting "repeal" in the election is a show of support for the punishment, while voting "retain" is a declaration that the death penalty should not be reinstated.
The death penalty opposition group Retain a Just Nebraska argued that radio ads failed to mention that the state will still have life imprisonment if the death penalty stays repealed.
Gale says he pulled the ad so the debate will remain focused on "substantive issues."
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