Wisconsin Question 2 (2006)
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Wisconsin Question 2, also known as the Death Penalty Question, was on the November 7, 2006 election ballot in Wisconsin, where it was approved.[1]
- Yes: 1,166,571 (55.5%)
- No: 934,508 (44.5%)
Text of the proposal
The language that appeared on the ballot:
Should the death penalty be enacted in the state of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, if the conviction is supported by DNA evidence?
Explanation
This is an advisory referendum only. Neither a "yes" vote nor a "no" vote will directly make any change in the law. The legislature and the governor are not bound by the results of this advisory referendum.
The present penalty for first-degree intentional homicide is life in prison. The court imposing a life sentence may also prevent the defendant from ever being released from prison. This is commonly referred to as life without the possibility of parole.
A "yes" vote would advise the members of the legislature that you want them to change the penalty for first-degree intentional homicide so that the penalty would be death when a person is convicted of first-degree intentional homcide, and the conviction is supported by DNA evidence. The referendum question does not suggest what level of DNA evidence would be sufficient.
A no vote would inform the members of the legislature that you do not want them to change the present penalty for first-degree intentional homicide at this time.
Campaign finance
Donors for the campaign against the measure:[2]
- No Death Penalty Wisconsin: $91,188
- ACLU-Wisconsin Against Death Penalty: $15,372
- Catholic Sisters for Justice: $2,880
- Wisconsin Catholic Conf-Oppose Death Penalty: $25
- Total: $109,414
