Ballot measures intended to reform policing and other criminal justice changes gained approval in many jurisdictions last week.
With approval of the felon voting measure, California joins 19 other states and Washington, D.C., in allowing felons to vote after release from prison. Previously, felons couldn’t vote until they finished parole.
In Philadelphia, voters approved a citizens police oversight committee and banned the police tactic of stop and frisk.
Voters in Akron, Ohio, required police body and dashboard videos to be released publicly when police officers use force resulting in death or serious injury.
In Portland, Oregon, voters approved a measure creating a police oversight board with the power to investigate police misconduct and discipline officers. Boards like this one may end up being more symbolic if legislatures don’t grant them money and power.
Additional Resources
Voters across US approve measures on police reform and criminal justice, The ABA Journal (November 9, 2020)
Image credit:
Shutterstock.com / Ira Bostic
