POLL: MAJORITY OF LOUISIANA VOTERS SUPPORT EVIDENCE-BASED CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS

Crime Top Issue Across State, Republicans Overwhelmingly Lead Support for Independent Jail Oversight, Automatic Expungement, Mental Health Diversion

(Baton Rouge, LA) – A newly-released poll shows that Louisiana voters—including majorities from all party affiliations as well as voters from victim and law enforcement households—support criminal justice solutions that reduce recidivism and emphasize treatment and diversion over more punitive responses like longer sentences. Three-quarters believe the system requires significant improvements in order to protect community safety, reduce recidivism and make the most of tax dollars dedicated to delivering justice. 

The poll was conducted in January by JMC Analytics and Polling on behalf of the Justice Action Network (JAN). Over 600 likely Louisiana voters were asked a broad set of questions that looked both at previous reforms and what’s needed in the future.

“This polling shows that Louisianans are concerned about crime but won’t be satisfied with ineffective crackdowns and kneejerk policymaking,” said JAN State Policy Manager Noah Bein. "No matter their political views, voters want evidence-based solutions focused on what works to keep communities safe and reduce recidivism.”

Among the poll findings:

·       Voters are concerned about crime and safety in Louisiana, with 43% of Democrats, 39% of Republicans, and 37% of Independents rating it the most important issue facing the state. Three-quarters of Louisianans believe the justice system needs major improvements.  

·        A majority of voters of all political affiliations and every region of the state—including most crime victim households—agree that, “It does not matter whether a person convicted of a nonviolent crime serves a longer sentence. What matters most is that when they complete their time, they are less likely to reoffend.”

·       Louisianans support eliminating barriers to employment following incarceration.

·       When asked if it should be made easier for people who have previously served time in prison to obtain employment, 83% of Louisianians voiced affirmative support. 

·       77% of Louisianians support Clean Slate legislation which would automatically expunge or seal criminal records of people convicted of less serious crimes who have not recidivated for a period of years. 

·       Voters from all parties—including those with victims or law enforcement in their households—agree that people with mental health/substance issues should be diverted to treatment instead of imprisonment (82% overall support) and that it should be easier for those who have previously served time to get a job (83% overall support).

JAN is the nation’s largest bipartisan criminal justice reform organization pursuing evidence-based reforms at both the state and federal level. For more poll results, visit justiceactionnetwork.org/news/jan-2023-la-poll .