The full version of this op-ed first appeared in the Bangor Daily News.

This week, members of the Maine Legislature will elect an attorney general to serve the state for the next two years. As the state’s chief law enforcement officer, the attorney general’s many duties include representing the state in criminal justice proceedings and giving advice to the government.

The attorney general is one of the most powerful people in the Maine criminal justice system. Whoever is elected will have the power to support criminal justice reform, correct overly harsh and punitive policies, and make the system fairer and more equal for all people. As our elected leaders prepare to vote, we hope they will take time to learn the candidates’ positions on key issues.

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