OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska residents have weighed in on a referendum aimed at repealing a 2015 state law that abolished the sentence, with supporters saying it’s necessary for harsh crimes and opponents saying it’s expensive and immoral.

Ten people testified Tuesday night in Omaha at the first of three public hearings.

Nebraska residents already have begun voting on the referendum ahead of the Nov. 8 election. The question on the ballot asks voters to choose whether to retain or repeal the law.

Marylyn Felion, who witnessed a Nebraska execution in 1997, said the death penalty is no longer needed to protect society.

Vivian Tuttle testified that only an execution would’ve held those who killed her daughter and four others at a Norfolk bank accountable.