Thursday, October 17, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Crime has long been a political wedge issue used to stoke anxiety and stir division, and this election cycle has been no different. Although the pandemic crime spike is receding, with steep drops in many offenses, the politicians who fear-mongered about crime in 2020 continue to call for harsher punishments and the repeal of reforms.

Law enforcement officials and other experts nationwide understand that public safety and fairness are not competing interests — they go hand in hand. Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration, a group convened by the Brennan Center comprised of current and former leaders of the law enforcement community, uses its expertise to advocate for a fairer criminal justice system. The group works to reduce incarceration while keeping communities safe. Join Law Enforcement Leaders members as they discuss the effects of reform policies, evidence-based solutions for reducing crime, and strategies to lower recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into society.

Speakers: Rosemary Nidiry, Senior Counsel, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration, Brennan Center Justice Program // Beth McCann, District Attorney, Denver, Colorado; Member, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration // Shon F. Barnes, Chief of Police, Madison, Wisconsin; Member, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration // Ames Grawert, Senior Counsel, Brennan Center Justice Program // Moderator: Natalie Tennant, Former West Virginia Secretary of State

Tuesday, October 29, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Electing a president is not the only high-stakes choice voters will make in November. In Ohio, citizens will vote on a state constitutional amendment that would end gerrymandering. Voters in 10 states have the opportunity to amend their constitutions to affirm or expand protections for abortion care. Three states will decide whether to remove language against same-sex marriage from their constitutions.

Half of all states have a constitutional right to direct democracy, allowing citizens to place statutory or constitutional proposals on the ballot and pass them by popular vote. But some lawmakers and other elected officials are trying to reduce citizens’ power to enact policy through ballot initiatives.

Join this expert discussion about the issues on state ballots in the 2024 election and trends to watch.

Produced in partnership with State Court Report

Speakers: Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent, The 19th; Author, You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America // Alice Clapman, Senior Counsel, Brennan Center Democracy Program // John Matsusaka, Charles F. Sexton Chair in American Enterprise, Professor of Finance and Business Economics, Executive Director of Initiative and Referendum Institute, USC Marshall School of Business // Moderator: Alicia Bannon, Director, Brennan Center Judiciary Program; Editor in Chief, State Court Report