Part 7/9:
Fundamentally, these reforms are possible because of the power vested in local voters. As Bazelon notes, we have the capacity to select prosecutors who prioritize justice, fairness, and public safety. Elections for local district attorney offices are often low-turnout, making community engagement critical. Small efforts—canvassing neighborhoods, supporting reform candidates—can significantly influence the criminal justice trajectory.
By electing leaders committed to ending mass incarceration and implementing innovative policies, communities can fundamentally reshape the criminal justice landscape without the need for extensive legislative changes. These prosecutors serve as catalysts for change, illustrating how local elections directly affect the morality and fairness of our society.