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Criminal Justice Measures To Be Decided in Today's Elections

By Jeralyn, Section Elections
Posted on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 02:36:57 PM EST
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Here is an excellent guide to criminal justice reform measures at stake around the country in today's elections, from legalizing marijuana to reducing sentences, allowing expungement of prior convictions and bail reform.

. Four states might legalize the drug by referendum: Michigan and North Dakota for recreational use, and Missouri and Utah for medicinal use.

Victories by governors who back marijuana legalization—including JB Pritzker (Illinois), Tim Walz (Minnesota), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico) who are all favored to win, as well as candidates locked in tighter contests such as Andrew Gillum (Florida), Ben Jealous (Maryland), and Ned Lamont (Connecticut)—could alter the legislative landscape on this issue.... In Michigan, Whitmer’s win could facilitate the referendum’s expansion into legislation to expunge past convictions.

Other measures detailed include ICE and local participation in its 287(g) program. [More...]

Maryland alone features at least four counties in which the fate of a single election will most likely affect participation in the 287(g) program. North Carolina’s Wake County features a similar showdown between longtime sheriff Donnie Harrison and Gerald Baker, a challenger who pledges to withdraw from 287(g).....

Elsewhere in the country—from Hennepin County, Minnesota and Hillsborough County, Florida to Ulster County, New York and Orange County, California—sheriffs and undersheriffs who assist ICE are running against challengers who have pledged less cooperation and who warn of straining ties between sheriff deputies and immigrant communities. “All you’ve done is you’ve created hate toward the local law enforcement,” Gary Pruitt, the Democratic nominee for sheriff in Hillsborough County, told The Appeal about current Sheriff Chad Chronister’s deal with ICE.

Bail Reform and police misconduct is also at issue in several places.

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    Criminal Justice Measures To Be Decided in Today's Elections | 3 comments (3 topical)

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    I voted for Tom Wolf. (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 04:11:33 PM EST
    But, Mr. Wolf says 'I don't think Pennsylvania's actually ready' for recreational marijuana. PA has a very nanny-like attitude towards it's citizens in liquor laws and with marijuana. That's one thing I have agreed with the GOP here is privatization of liquor stores. When I first moved here 12 years ago the laws were archaic. Things HAVE changed. I thought I was in Alabama or something.

    But it's not an issue to get my vote. I hardly ever drink anymore. I just don't think the state should be in the liquor business. And you ought to be able to pickup a six pack of beer at a convenience store and pay for it when you pay for your milk.

    Are there any races out there today (none / 0) (#2)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 04:37:02 PM EST
    trying to elect a "progressive DA"?  City or County anywhere in the US?

    Yes on the DA's -- (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:04:46 PM EST
    they are listed in the article I cited.

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    Criminal Justice Measures To Be Decided in Today's Elections | 3 comments (3 topical)

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