“It Is Public Safety to Get People Out of Incarceration”: Q&A with Portland D.A. Candidate
Michael Schmidt, who is running for DA in May in Oregon’s largest county, shares his views on criminal justice reform during and beyond the pandemic.
Daniel Nichanian Apr 02, 2020
“Time Is of the Essence”: How States Can Shore Up Mail Voting
An expert in election procedures unpacks how states should scale up mail voting, and how they should make sure no one is left behind.
Daniel Nichanian Mar 24, 2020
Colorado Abolishes the Death Penalty and Ends Prison Gerrymandering
Nationwide efforts against the death penalty and against prison gerrymandering have gained considerable momentum just over the past two years.
Daniel Nichanian Mar 23, 2020
For Decarceration, Election Results Bring One Big Win and Some Prolonged Suspense
Austin, Houston, and Los Angeles voted on Super Tuesday, with stakes for incarceration and criminal justice reform.
Daniel Nichanian Mar 06, 2020
Progressives See Super Tuesday as a Chance to Transform Los Angeles
“We’re at a watershed moment for criminal justice reform,” Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, said about Measure R and LA’s upcoming DA election.
Daniel Nichanian Feb 28, 2020
Virginia Makes All Children Eligible for Parole, a Major Shift for This Punitive State
The reform’s impact will hinge on Virginia’s parole board no longer denying most applications it receives.
Daniel Nichanian Feb 24, 2020
D.A. Associations Should Own Up to the Splintering Politics of Prosecution
California’s DA association responded to a critic in a letter signed by nearly all prosecutors. But this may only exacerbate worries about DAs’ tendency to talk in a single political voice.
Daniel Nichanian Feb 14, 2020
Austin Prosecutor Candidate Wants to Cut His Budget and Avoid Jailing Anyone
Dominic Selvera hopes to “shrink the system” if elected Travis County Attorney. In a Q&A, he explained how he would cut prosecutions, and steer money toward public services “outside of the criminal justice system.”
Daniel Nichanian Feb 13, 2020
Blockbuster D.A. Races Rock Big Texas Counties, from Austin to Houston
The death penalty, drug policy, and bail reform are shaping Texas debates, with primaries just weeks away. But across the state, hundreds of local elections are left uncontested.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 30, 2020
California Prosecutor Quits State’s D.A. Association: “Let’s Accept Responsibility for The Mistakes We’ve Made”
The CDAA has opposed “almost all change that the voters of California had asked us to enact," San Joaquin County DA Tori Salazar said in a Q&A.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 23, 2020
When New Jersey Next Redistricts, It Will Count Incarcerated People Where They Lived
A new law ends prison gerrymandering in legislative redistricting. New Jersey will continue to disenfranchise incarcerated people.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 21, 2020
Where Are the (Reform) Candidates in Ohio?
Few Ohio elections feature candidates talking of criminal justice reform, with some notable exceptions such as in Cincinnati. Some activists are pressing ahead through other organizing.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 16, 2020
How Rachel Rossi Would Change the D.A.’s Role in Los Angeles: “It Takes a Public Defender”
Rossi rules out seeking the death penalty or prosecuting sex work. “Oftentimes justice may mean a restorative outcome. Oftentimes justice may mean never filing a case,” she said in a Q&A.
The Prosecutorial Chronicles, Jan. 2020: New Officials Take First Steps, Halt Pot Charges
Two Virginia prosecutors stop charging marijuana possession—mostly. And newly-elected DAs are sworn in as well in California, New York, and Pennsylvania.
How George Gascón Wants to Reform Los Angeles and Achieve “the Lowest Level of Intervention”
“The problem is that LA County has come to a place where they use the most expensive and the most intrusive tools of the criminal justice system to deal with every behavior," Gascón said in a Q&A.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 09, 2020
In Maryland, an Abrupt Change in Leadership Could Boost Sentencing and Parole Reform
In a Q&A, Senator William Smith lays out his priorities to encourage decarceration as the new chair of a powerful Maryland committee.
From Marijuana to the Death Penalty, States Led the Way in 2019
A retrospective on the year that was on criminal justice reform. Seven maps. 16 issues. 50 states.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 20, 2019
One Week’s Work: New Jersey and Kentucky Restore Voting Rights to More than 200,000
More than 200,000 people regain their voting rights, and advocates vow further action. “To vote has value to the soul,” a New Jersey advocate said at a signing ceremony.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 18, 2019
The Prosecutorial Chronicles, Dec. 2019 edition: A Tale of Political Contrasts
Some prosecutors speak up for ending disenfranchisement and sending their staff to visit prisons, while a Pennsylvania DA sought to block a release.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 12, 2019
As Illinois Votes for Its Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys Say to Not “Just Go with the Flow”
We preview the 2020 races for prosecutor in the biggest Illinois counties, starting with the high-stakes election in Cook County (Chicago).
In 2020, Look at Sheriffs and Prosecutors Too
In Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and beyond, next year will bring blockbuster local elections that could overhaul law enforcement and criminal justice.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 05, 2019
Prosecutor and Sheriff Elections in 2020: A Masterlist and Calendar
Nearly 2,300 prosecutors and sheriffs are set to be elected in 2020. This page details which counties are voting, and their filing deadlines and election dates.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 27, 2019
When People in Prison Can Vote, Officials “Treat Them With Some Respect”
A New York bill would abolish felony disenfranchisement. That would mean law enforcement is no longer the arbiter of who gets to vote.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 22, 2019
As Michigan Raises the Age, Advocates Vow to Press for More Change
Michigan automatically treats all 17-year olds as adults, but that will soon change with a major new reform. But prosecutors will retain broad discretion.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 14, 2019
“This Is Where the Real Work Begins”: What Chesa Boudin’s Win Means for San Francisco
Two San Francisco-based advocates discuss the organizing that helped Chesa Boudin, and the next steps for mass incarceration and criminal justice reform.
Voters Beyond Big Cities Rejected Mass Incarceration in Tuesday’s Elections
A wave of progressive candidates prevailed in elections for prosecutor, overhauling the politics of criminal justice in Virginia and beyond.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 07, 2019
Tuesday’s Election Boosts Voting Rights for People With Past Convictions
A claimed victory in Kentucky and wins in Virginia mean hundreds of thousands of people could have their right to vote restored.
Your Guide to the 2019 Elections, in Six Questions
Will 2019 grow the ranks of decarceral officials? The results will shape bail reform, policing and charging practices, ICE cooperation, voting rights, and more.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 31, 2019
“How Are You Keeping My Community Safe If You’re Stealing My Resources?”
A candidate for prosecutor in Loudoun County, Virginia responds to attacks on her background and argues that criminal justice reform can help public safety.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 24, 2019
D.A.s Increasingly Treat Overdoses as Homicides. Will November Reel That In?
In New York and Pennsylvania, some DA elections could slow the surge of homicide prosecutions in the aftermath of an overdose.
Louisiana Sheriffs Have a Great Election Night
ICE cooperation and detention conditions were on the line, but sheriff races struggled for salience and drew bipartisan consensus.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 17, 2019
Reform Candidates Face Pushback in Virginia
In Fairfax and Chesterfield counties, candidates for prosecutor want to reduce the volume of felony convictions. Reform opponents have coalesced against them.
New York Adopted Pretrial Reforms. Its DA Races Will Decide Who Implements Them.
New York DA candidates starkly disagree on bail and discovery reforms in Queens and three upstate counties, Dutchess, Monroe, and Ulster.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 10, 2019
A Public Defender, Running for DA in Pittsburgh, Wants to Join Forces with Philly’s Larry Krasner
Lisa Middleman is challenging Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala in November. DAs should be “reducing mass incarceration and creating equity,” she told the Political Report.
Daniel Nichanian Oct 04, 2019
New Jersey Attorney General Bans ICE’s 287(g) Program
Gurbir Grewal terminated existing 287(g) contracts. But immigrants will continue to be treated differently.
Elections Could Expand Voting Rights This Fall. They Will Take Place in an “Intolerable Condition.”
The November elections in Mississippi, Kentucky and Virginia could alter the politics of rights restoration and potentially expand the electorate.
Daniel Nichanian Sep 26, 2019
California Legislature Passes Series of Reforms, and Prosecutors Roll Out New Policies
Also today: Cooperation with ICE is at stake in Louisiana's October elections.
Daniel Nichanian Sep 19, 2019
Prosecutors Roll Out Reforms in Four States
A Maryland prosecutor stops seeking cash bail, Kentucky and Virginia prosecutors limit pot cases, and a Hawaii prosecutor reduces charges for driving offenses.
In Louisiana, Sheriff Elections Will Shape ICE’s Reach
“They’re trying to send Hispanics to Mexico or Honduras and put Black men in jail,” said one candidate regarding prevailing practices. “The United States is made for everybody.”
California Legislature Adopts a Flurry of Criminal Justice Reforms
New laws target private prisons, and fines and fees, DAs' power, and more.
Federal Judge Rebukes the Willie Horton Strategy
Also today: Michigan advocates push for expungement reform
Daniel Nichanian Sep 13, 2019
Federal Judge Rebukes Houston DA for Using the Willie Horton Strategy
The response lays bare the absurd premise of those who offer a handful of anecdotes as reason enough to oppose a systemic reform.
Daniel Nichanian Sep 12, 2019
“We Won’t Have People Stacked on Top of One Another in Prisons, in Cages”
In a Q&A, Jennifer Riley Collins explains how she would fight overincarceration if she is elected as attorney general of Mississippi this November.
Daniel Nichanian Sep 06, 2019
Illinois Banned a Prized ICE Program. Why Are So Few Blue States Doing the Same?
Also today: How an attorney general candidate wants to reform criminal justice
Illinois Bans ICE Program, but This Reform Is Not Yet Taking Off Elsewhere
Illinois prohibition against 287(g) contracts comes two years after California’s ban.
Daniel Nichanian Sep 05, 2019
In Mississippi, Candidates for Governor Are Divided on Expanding Medicaid
Medicaid expansion foe wins GOP primary, sets up November clash on an issue with deep implications for the criminal legal system.
Daniel Nichanian Aug 29, 2019
Joe Arpaio Is Running for Sheriff, Again
Also today: A Q&A with Jim Hingeley, a longtime public defender who is running for prosecutor to fight “family separation”
Longtime Public Defender Runs for Prosecutor to Fight “Family Separation”
"I saw families that were torn apart, and I saw the consequences of that,” Jim Hingeley, a candidate running in Albemarle County, Virginia, said in a Q&A.
Daniel Nichanian Aug 28, 2019
Reform Prosecutors Respond to U.S. Attorney General, Announce New Drug Policies
Also today: Can Louisiana continue reducing its incarceration rate?
Daniel Nichanian Aug 22, 2019
Reform Prosecutors Respond to Attack by U.S. Attorney General
Checking-in on the politics of prosecutors: A Vermont state's attorney makes waves, and California and Florida prosecutors plan on dismissing more drug charges
Governor’s Race Could Decide If Louisiana’s Prison Population Continues to Shrink
Louisiana shed its status as the top incarcerator in the county last year, but the trend is fragile.
Daniel Nichanian Aug 21, 2019
Prosecutor Sends Staff to Prison, U.S. Attorney General Attacks Reform DAs
Also today: Colorado organizers prepare for the 2020 legislative session
Daniel Nichanian Aug 15, 2019
Prosecutor Sends Staff to Prison, in a Bid to Counter Their Reflex to Incarcerate
A Q&A with Sarah Fair George, a Vermont prosecutor: "imagine how this might impact somebody who is there for six months or a year."
Daniel Nichanian Aug 14, 2019
Death Penalty, Prison Gerrymandering, and ICE May Be on Colorado's 2020 Menu
Advocates of criminal justice reform prepare their next legislative efforts in states like Colorado where the 2019 session is over.
Oregon Overhauls Its Youth Justice System
New law abolishes life without parole for minors, expands opportunities for early release, and restricts the prosecution of children as adults.
Daniel Nichanian Jul 25, 2019
Miami Officials: Most People Who Owe Fines and Fees Can Vote
Lawyers and advocates in Miami-Dade County will roll out a new plan to counter the disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions.
Criminal Justice Reform in the States: July 19, 2019 edition
Legislative Roundup: New Jersey adopts rare restrictions on solitary confinement, Missouri reform will cut prison population, and more
Daniel Nichanian Jul 19, 2019
Hawaii Governor Sinks Criminal Justice Reforms, Allows Pot Decriminalization
Governor Ige vetoed bills restricting civil asset forfeiture and enabling the release of terminally ill people.
Daniel Nichanian Jul 18, 2019
Will November Bring a “Wave” of Reform Prosecutors in Virginia?
Competitive elections for prosecutor will shape the prospects of decarceral reforms, from Fairfax to Chesterfield.
Prince William County Is at a Crossroads, As Powerful Local Officials Retire
In November, voters get to orient prosecutorial discretion and immigration policy in the second most populous county in Virginia.
Clock is Ticking to Fix Prison Gerrymandering
With redistricting fast approaching, Nevada and Washington end prison gerrymandering, but reforms stall elsewhere.
Daniel Nichanian Jul 03, 2019
The Queens D.A. Race Shakes Up New York's Legal System: "This is Just the Beginning"
Our roundtable probes the stakes of the Queens DA election for criminal justice reform: “If there is room for reform anywhere in the boroughs of New York City, it is in Queens.”
Colorado Governor Opposed Banning ICE Contracts. But They May Already Violate State Law.
A new Colorado law curbs ICE’s reach, but it was weakened during the legislative process and stripped of its prohibition against ICE contracts.
Challengers Defeat Two Virginia Prosecutors, Hint at Reform Coalition
Also today: Colorado's Democratic governor opposed banning ICE contracts
In Key Virginia Primaries, Winners Ran on Ending Mass Incarceration
Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and Steve Descano oust the chief prosecutors of Arlington and Fairfax counties, overhauling prosecution in Northern Virginia.
Daniel Nichanian Jun 12, 2019
Tuesday's Elections Could Overhaul Prosecution in Northern Virginia
Virginians are voting for their prosecutors in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties.
Daniel Nichanian Jun 06, 2019
Legalized Pot, Reduced Sentences: Three States Reform Their Drug Laws
Illinois is set to legalize marijuana, while Colorado and Oklahoma tackled possession of other drugs.
Virginia’s Primaries Could Overhaul Prosecution, and Three States Reform Their Drug Laws
Illinois is legalizing marijuana, while Colorado and Oklahoma confront drug possession.
A Double Blow to Disenfranchisement
Colorado and Nevada will now restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, amid nationwide efforts against disenfranchisement.
Daniel Nichanian May 31, 2019
Big Week for Reform: States Abolish the Death Penalty, Expand Voting Rights
Spotlight on Colorado, Nevada, and New Hampshire
“It Is Not Smart to Focus on Prosecuting Victimless Crimes like Drug Possession:” A Q&A with Amy Ashworth
Amy Ashworth, who is running for prosecutor of Prince William County, discusses declinations, the death penalty, and cash bail.
Daniel Nichanian May 30, 2019
New Hampshire Abolishes the Death Penalty
New Hampshire becomes the 21st state to abolish the death penalty.
Mixed Results for Criminal Justice Reformers in Pennsylvania Primaries
Philadelphia ousts its sheriff, while the Allegheny County DA wins the Democratic primary
Daniel Nichanian May 23, 2019
Pittsburgh’s Punitive DA Wins Primary. Reformer Ousts the Philly Sheriff.
Also today: Montana, North Dakota, and Washington State adopt reforms.
Foreclosures and ICE Are on the Menu in Philadelphia’s Sheriff Election
An incumbent sheriff faces three challengers in the Democratic primary.
Pennsylvania Primaries Are a Week Away
Also today: What is sheriffs' role toward the opioid crisis?
How We Count People Skews Political Power
The new citizenship question and the longstanding practice of prison gerrymandering weaponize the census to change the racial geography of power.
“A Sliver of Light”: Maine’s Top Election Official on Voting From Prison
The Appeal: Political Report talks to Matthew Dunlap, the secretary of state of Maine, about how prison voting works there.
Daniel Nichanian May 02, 2019
Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders and Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Discuss Prison Voting
In voting rights special, we also bring you the latest on rights restoration reforms nationwide
Bernie Sanders Explains Why He Supports Voting Rights for All Citizens
In a Q&A, Bernie Sanders explains why he wants to abolish felony disenfranchisement. "The right to vote is inalienable to my mind whether you're in jail or any place else," he said.
Daniel Nichanian Apr 30, 2019
Illinois Reform Part of a Wave of Challenges to Age Cutoff of Youth Justice
Also today: Criminal justice reform bills advance in Montana, Oklahoma, and elsewhere
Daniel Nichanian Apr 25, 2019
Advocates Press States to Recognize that Young Adults Can Change Too
Illinois law uses a cutoff age of 21. Advocates ask, why should people be cut off from the logic of having a separate youth justice system because they are a day over 18?
New York’s DA Elections Will Shape Prosecutorial Practices, and a Virginia Candidate Discusses His Platform
Also today: Officials announce criminal justice reforms in Texas, Virginia, Utah
Daniel Nichanian Apr 18, 2019
An Interview with Steve Descano: “Ending Mass Incarceration” Requires “a Systemic Approach”
A candidate for prosecutor in Fairfax County, Virginia, explains his views on criminal justice reform, from charging practices and drugs to the death penalty
New Jersey’s Sheriff’s Elections Take Shape, While a Key New York Race Goes Uncontested
Also today: Key legislative developments from Virginia, South Dakota, and Iowa
New York Sheriff Who Joined ICE Program May Coast to Re-Election
Sheriff Patrick Russo faces no challengers. But the state legislature could act to restrict local cooperation with the federal agency.
Why New Jersey’s Sheriff Elections Matter
Eleven New Jersey counties vote for their sheriff this year. These elections could shape immigration policy, law enforcement, and jail conditions.
Durham Connects Transportation and Criminal Justice Reform, New York Tackles Discovery and Bail
Also today: An interview with a candidate for DA in Pittsburgh
How Public Transit, State Reform, and DA Practices Can Counter Driver’s License Suspensions
While Durham pursues an initiative to reinstate licenses, a Duke University decision sets back the mobility of local residents.
DA Elections Take Shape in Pennsylvania, and Boston DA Announces New Reforms
Also today: The Political Report revisits efforts to reform rights restoration in Mississippi
Daniel Nichanian Mar 28, 2019
What Are the Prospects for an Initiative on Rights Restoration in Mississippi?
With the legislative path sidelined once more, could the state emulate Florida in reforming felony disenfranchisement?
Reformers Push to Expand and Automate Expungement
Utah legislation would automate expungement process, Delaware bill would effectively create one.
A Nationwide Push for Expungement Reform, and New Marijuana Policies in the Twin Cities
Also today: The Political Report launches a new series on the powers of sheriffs
Delaware Attorney General Issues Reforms, and States Move to Halt the Death Penalty
Also today: Jacksonville, Florida Prepares to vote for Sheriff
Stage Is Set for 2019 Mississippi DA Elections, and a Hawaii Voting Rights Proposal Stalls
Also today: an interview with Shani Curry Mitchell, candidate for Rochester District Attorney
Daniel Nichanian Mar 07, 2019
Vermont Reformers Target Life Imprisonment, and a North Carolina Sheriff Restricts Ties with ICE
Also today: A review of legislative developments in Indiana, New York, and Utah
Daniel Nichanian Feb 28, 2019
Reformers Target Life Imprisonment and Sentences of Life Without Parole
Vermont and Massachusetts legislation would abolish life without parole sentences, while other states consider that reform for minors.
“The Commonwealth’s Attorney Has a Very Holistic Role”: An interview with Virginia Candidate Parisa Dehghani-Tafti
Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, a candidate for prosecutor, explains how she wants to fight mass incarceration in Arlington.
Daniel Nichanian Feb 22, 2019
States Consider Death Penalty Repeal, Virginia Candidate Explains How She Would Fight Mass Incarceration, and More
Also today: Study measures impact of bail reform in Philadelphia
North Carolina Sheriff Restricts Ties with ICE, but Colorado Sheriff Strengthens Them
Also today: Houston prosecutor’s bid to hire more prosecutors falls short
Daniel Nichanian Feb 13, 2019
Prosecutors Announce New Marijuana Policy in Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri
In St. Louis, Chicago, and Baltimore, prosecutors have announced a policy of not prosecuting marijuana possession or have launched a new expungement program.
Daniel Nichanian Feb 07, 2019
Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider Restoring Voting Rights, but Organizers Are Not Waiting
Advocates pursue many fronts to push for incarcerated individuals to have electoral voice, two decades Massachusetts restricted the franchise.
Advocates Make Case for How Marijuana Legalization Should Tackle Equity
State advocates demand that politicians be more attentive to confronting the harm that marijuana prohibition has caused.
In Northwest Arkansas, Activists Organize Against ICE’s 287(g) Program
Two counties in northwest Arkansas joined the 287(g) program with ICE more than a decade ago. A coalition of local groups is organizing to end that cooperation.
Plenty of Prosecutors and Sheriffs Will Be Elected in 2019, Too
Aout 500 prosecutors and sheriffs will be elected in 2019, nearly all in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Daniel Nichanian Jan 04, 2019
In 2018, Activists Transformed ‘Tough on Crime’ from Asset to Liability
A series of electoral victories signals a nationwide shift.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 24, 2018
Will Anyone Run for District Attorney in Wisconsin?
The majority of Wisconsin counties haven't held a single contested DA election this decade.
North Carolina's Two Largest Counties Quit ICE Program. Will a Third Follow?
Two large North Carolina counties quit ICE's 287(g) program this month.
How Do New Jersey Counties Still Partner with ICE?
New Jersey attorney general limits local cooperation with ICE, postpones some decisions.
In the Wake of Amendment 4: Spotlight on Disenfranchisement in Kentucky
"What kind of state is Kentucky, truly?" asked an organizer. "What kind of democracy, if you take away folks, Black and brown folks?"
How Medicaid Expansion and Criminal Justice Reform Boosted Each Other in 2018
In Georgia, Idaho, and Nebraska, advocates connected the dots between access to care, drug addiction, and mass incarceration.
How Tuesday’s Sheriff Elections Dealt a Blow to ICE
Local allies of the Trump administration fought challengers over immigration policy.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 08, 2018
Your Essential Criminal Justice Guide to Election Night
From sheriffs to bail to marijuana, and more—here’s what you need to know.
Daniel Nichanian Nov 05, 2018
2018 Election Preview: District Attorney of Dallas County
Marijuana prosecutions and bail reform at the forefront of Dallas DA race.
7 progressives Defeat New York Senators. What’s Next in Albany?
Alessandra Biaggi and Zellnor Myrie explain the change they want to bring.