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 January 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 January 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.
Daniel Nichanian January 16, 2020
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.
Daniel Nichanian January 16, 2020
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 January 9, 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.
Daniel Nichanian January 9, 2020
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 December 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 December 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 December 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).
Daniel Nichanian December 12, 2019
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 December 5, 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 November 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 November 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 November 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.
Daniel Nichanian November 14, 2019
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 November 7, 2019
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 October 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 October 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.
Daniel Nichanian October 24, 2019
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 October 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.
Daniel Nichanian October 17, 2019
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 October 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 October 4, 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.
Daniel Nichanian October 4, 2019
New Jersey’s 2019 Elections for Sheriff: A Masterlist
New Jersey is holding 11 elections for sheriff in 2019. This page has a masterlist of the candidates who ran.
October 4, 2019
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 September 26, 2019
How Sheriffs’ Power and Autonomy Make Them Central Players for Policing Reform
Our ongoing series on the role of sheriffs turns to a site of heated political battles: policing powers.
Jessica Pishko September 26, 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.
Daniel Nichanian September 19, 2019
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.”
Daniel Nichanian September 19, 2019
California Legislature Adopts a Flurry of Criminal Justice Reforms
New laws target private prisons, and fines and fees, DAs' power, and more.
Daniel Nichanian September 19, 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 September 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 September 6, 2019
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 September 5, 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 August 29, 2019
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 August 28, 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
Daniel Nichanian August 22, 2019
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 August 21, 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 August 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.
Daniel Nichanian August 14, 2019
Oregon Overhauls Its Youth Justice System
Daniel Nichanian July 25, 2019
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 July 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 July 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.
Daniel Nichanian July 18, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian July 11, 2019
Clock is Ticking to Fix Prison Gerrymandering
With redistricting fast approaching, Nevada and Washington end prison gerrymandering, but reforms stall elsewhere.
Daniel Nichanian July 3, 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.”
Daniel Nichanian June 20, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian June 13, 2019
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 June 12, 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.
Daniel Nichanian June 6, 2019
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
“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 is the first state to repeal the death penalty this year. What is happening elsewhere?
Daniel Nichanian May 30, 2019
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
Foreclosures and ICE Are on the Menu in Philadelphia’s Sheriff Election
An incumbent sheriff faces three challengers in the Democratic primary.
Daniel Nichanian May 16, 2019
The Opioid Crisis and the Elected Sheriff
Sheriffs often control access to treatment in jail and shape law enforcement attitudes toward the opioid crisis. What are their roles?
Jessica Pishko May 9, 2019
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 2, 2019
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 April 30, 2019
Legislative Roundup: April 25, 2019 edition
Daniel Nichanian April 26, 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?
Daniel Nichanian April 25, 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
Daniel Nichanian April 18, 2019
Legislative Roundup: April 18, 2019 edition
Daniel Nichanian April 18, 2019
Legislative Roundup (April 11 Edition)
Daniel Nichanian April 11, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian April 11, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian April 11, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian April 4, 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?
Daniel Nichanian March 28, 2019
Jail Deaths and the Elected Sheriff
Jessica Pishko March 21, 2019
States Move to Halt the Death Penalty
Daniel Nichanian March 14, 2019
Legal but Unspeakable
Arkansas lawmaker wants to make it a felony to identify makers of its execution drugs.
Sarah Lustbader March 7, 2019
Legislative roundup, March 7 edition
March 7, 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.
Daniel Nichanian February 28, 2019
"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 February 22, 2019
Tennessee Republicans Try to Strip Nashville Police Oversight Board of Its Subpoena Power
Nashville organizers fight state bill with “Don’t Play Where You’re Not Welcome” campaign targeting college athletic recruits
Vaidya Gullapalli February 8, 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 February 7, 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.
Daniel Nichanian February 7, 2019
Cory Booker and the Urgency of Rethinking Long Sentences and Approaches to Violence
As a presidential candidate, will Cory Booker continue talking about second chances for people convicted of violent crimes?
Vaidya Gullapalli February 6, 2019
Policing Practices in Jacksonville: an Interview
Daniel Nichanian January 25, 2019
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.
Daniel Nichanian January 25, 2019
New York City Plan for Overdose Prevention Centers Runs into Resistance by Some Officials
In the face of an overdose epidemic, Bronx DA Darcel Clark rejects a harm reduction strategy and Governor Cuomo chooses inaction.
Vaidya Gullapalli January 23, 2019
New York Can Do More Than Adopt Texas’s Discovery Laws
Sarah Lustbader January 18, 2019
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 January 4, 2019
Will Anyone Run for District Attorney in Wisconsin?
The majority of Wisconsin counties haven't held a single contested DA election this decade.
Daniel Nichanian December 13, 2018
What Does it Mean to Take Politics Out of Prosecution?
Daniel Nichanian December 13, 2018
Cyntoia Brown and an Effort to End Life Imprisonment
Vaidya Gullapalli December 12, 2018
Jeff Sessions Is Gone, but There Is No Cause to Rejoice
Vaidya Gullapalli December 11, 2018
How Do New Jersey Counties Still Partner with ICE?
Daniel Nichanian December 6, 2018
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?"
Daniel Nichanian December 6, 2018
Should Public Agents Resist Injustice Within the Justice System?
If Border Patrol agents should refuse to tear gas children at the border, should prosecutors, police, and judges not refuse some of their duties too?
Sarah Lustbader November 30, 2018
Three Questions to Michael Conlon
Daniel Nichanian November 29, 2018
New York Democrats Won Big. Will They Deliver Big Change?
Vaidya Gullapalli November 20, 2018
New Hampshire Inches Closer to Abolishing the Death Penalty
Daniel Nichanian November 15, 2018
Efforts to Legalize Marijuana Move Forward
Daniel Nichanian November 9, 2018
Massive Turnout Turns Important Texas Courts Blue
Vaidya Gullapalli November 8, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Initiative 940, Washington State
Sarah Lustbader November 6, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Attorney General of Florida
Daniel Nichanian November 1, 2018
2018 Election Preview: District Attorney of Dallas County
Marijuana prosecutions and bail reform at the forefront of Dallas DA race.
Daniel Nichanian October 25, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Attorney General of Kansas
Daniel Nichanian October 25, 2018
Colorado Votes on Abolishing Its Clause Authorizing Slavery
People laughed when Kanye called for abolishing the "trap door" in the 13th Amendment. Now Coloradans are voting on theirs.
Sarah Lustbader October 24, 2018
On Marijuana, Four States Are Holding Six Referendums
Daniel Nichanian October 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Measure 105, Oregon
Daniel Nichanian October 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Amendment 2, Louisiana
Daniel Nichanian October 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Amendment 4, Florida
Daniel Nichanian October 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Amendment 11, Florida
Daniel Nichanian October 18, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Prosecutor of King County, Washington
Daniel Nichanian September 28, 2018
2018 Election Preview: U.S. Senator from Texas
September 27, 2018
Ted Cruz & Beto O'Rourke debate policing practices: Sept. 21, 2018
September 22, 2018
7 progressives Defeat New York Senators. What's Next in Albany?
Daniel Nichanian September 20, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Governor of Maryland
Daniel Nichanian September 20, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Sheriff of Ulster County, New York
Daniel Nichanian September 20, 2018
Attorney General Race Could Reshape Prosecution in Delaware
Daniel Nichanian September 13, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Governor of New York
Daniel Nichanian September 4, 2018
2018 Election Preview: Governor of Florida
Daniel Nichanian August 30, 2018
2018 Election: Oklahoma Legalizes Medical Marijuana
Daniel Nichanian August 16, 2018