Ending prosecutors unchecked power

Here’s how we transform America’s criminal justice system. {NAME}, No individuals have more power to shape criminal justice policy than our communities’ elected local prosecutors. And next year, more than 1,000 local prosecutors will be up for election across the country. It’s the most important opportunity to transform America’s broken criminal justice system – and it’s coming up fast. The 2018 elections for local prosecutors may prove to be the most significant in history for the movement to end mass incarceration. We need to deploy the full power of the ACLU grassroots base – and bring even more people into this effort. [Start by watching this short video to learn more about the power of local prosecutors – and then forward this email to five friends.]( Nine out of ten criminal cases are now resolved by plea bargain, where a judge has little or no role to play. This means prosecutors unilaterally decide who gets a second chance and who goes to prison and for how long. We know that the majority of the American public – across demographics and across the political spectrum – prefers second chances and treatment over long prison sentences and overflowing, costly jails. So why do “lock ‘em up” prosecutors keep getting elected? Here’s one reason: in 2016, more than 70 percent of prosecutors ran unopposed. Worse, prosecutors operate with near impunity between election years. State oversight of district attorneys is notoriously ineffective, and prosecutors’ budgets are often approved without question. [Watch and share our short video to get up to speed on the unchecked power of elected local prosecutors.]( Together, we have the power to make the 2018 elections transform criminal justice in America. Thank you for being a part of this important work, Taylor Pendergrass ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice [border] [DONATE NOW >>]( [border] Please note: If you forward or distribute, the links will open a page with your information filled in. This email was sent to:{EMAIL} This email was sent by: American Civil Liberties Union 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004, USA [Unsubscribe]( We respect your right to privacy - [view our policy](.