SJC Exchange Library

Originally posted by Wanda Bertram on 09/17/2024

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Hi friends,

I wanted to let you know about a new guide the Prison Policy Initiative released this morning, explaining the power that 19 elected offices - at the local, state, and federal levels - have to push for criminal legal system reform and dismantle mass incarceration.

While presidential campaigns get the most attention during election season, the "down-ballot" votes we cast stand to make a much greater impact on the carceral policies of cities, counties and states. Our guide breaks down the roles of nine local offices, eight state offices, and two federal offices, explaining their capacities to change the system.

For instance, we explain how:

• City and county auditors can expose the failings of local court and jail systems, building momentum for reform.
• County commissioners have the final say over whether a community builds a new jail.
• Secretaries of state can empower more people in local jails to vote.
• Attorneys general in many states enforce public records law when agencies (including prisons and jails) wrongly conceal information.

While not every candidate in every county and state has a criminal justice platform, understanding the power that these offices have to change the system can help voters make smart choices and hold their electeds accountable.

You can read the full guide here: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2024/09/11/on_the_ballot/

I hope this is useful in your work.

Take care,

Wanda

Prison Policy Initiative

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Wanda Bertram
Communications Strategist
Prison Policy Initiative
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