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When Larry Krasner was elected as Philadelphia district attorney four years ago, he promised to bring “transformational change” to an office and to a criminal justice system that, he said, “has systematically picked on poor people, primarily black and brown people.”
“If you, like us, believe it’s time to end the death penalty,” the veteran civil rights lawyer told the crowd that packed into the city’s William Way LGBT Community Center. “If you believe it’s time to end mass incarceration. If you believe it’s time to stop making prisoners of poor people by using cash bail. If you are sick and tired of government stealing grandma’s house when she didn’t do an
The primary election is May 18. Photo Tyger Williams
All Pennsylvania voters yes, that includes independents and minor-party members will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are widely considered non-controversial. The other two? A different story. Below, Spotlight PA breaks down the basics of what they would do, who is in favor, and who is opposed.
Question 1
What would it do? Currently, only Pennsylvania’s governor can end a disaster declaration, like the one the state is currently under to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. State law gives the General Assembly the option to pass a resolution to terminate the declaration, though the state Supreme Court ruled last year the governor still gets the final say. The legislature can overturn a governor’s veto with support from two-thirds of members.
Updated on May 12, 2021 at 11:59 am
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The endorsements in the race for Philadelphia district attorney set up a battle within the city Democratic party, pitting the progressive wing versus the liberal establishment. At the same time, the election is shaping up to be one of the first tests nationally for a criminal justice reform movement that began about four years ago.
Incumbent Larry Krasner and other similar-minded district attorneys around the country were elected then by voters who sought a change from the mass incarceration style of law enforcement. His list of endorsements includes many of the progressives who remain in support of his broad reform agenda.
Since the current Pennsylvania Constitution was adopted in 1968, itâs been amended more than 40 times.
In this yearâs primary, set for May 18, voters have the opportunity to add an additional three amendments.
First, there is a proposed amendment that would prohibit the denial of an individualâs rights under Pennsylvania law because of their race or ethnicity. The proposal has proven to be largely uncontroversial and has stirred no organized opposition.
Two other proposed amendments, on the other hand, have stirred much more urgent debate. Both arising from the coronavirus pandemic, one would automatically end any disaster declarations after 21 days and prevent a governor from extending it, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the Legislature also agrees. The other, related amendment would give the Legislature the power to terminate or extend a disaster declaration without the governorâs approval.
jfishbein@lewistownsentinel.com
The primary election on May 18 has no national and few state ballot spots up for grabs, but does have something for everyone. Because there are three proposed constitutional amendments and a state referendum to be decided, independent and third-party voters are part of this election.
The predominantly-local election includes those seeking seats on borough councils, township supervisors and school boards. A handful of county row offices are contested this year, including treasurer, register and recorder, and sheriff posts in both Mifflin and Juniata counties.
Mifflin County voters have magisterial district judges up for re-election. Juniata County voters along with those in Perry County will select candidates for a Common Pleas Court judgeship in the 41st Judicial District, which the two counties share (likewise, Snyder and Union counties will choose who will run for a judgeship in the 17th district).