Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, the ACLU of Illinois speaks with Congressman Mike Quigley (5th District - IL) on election security, Russian cyber-attacks and the state of our electoral system. We also talk with Ami Gandhi (Director of Voting Rights and Civic Empowerment at Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights) about reducing barriers to voting and improving civic participation in Illinois - and whether you can take that "ballot selfie."

Episode 4: Voting in the 2018 Election

Throughout Illinois and across our country, many people are held in jail awaiting trial simply because they are unable to afford the cash bond for their release. The use of these cash bonds also increases racial disparities in the criminal system, as those detained pretrial are more likely to be convicted and receive longer sentences. In this episode, we are joined by Lavette Mayes - who was separated from her children, lost her small business, and spent 14 months in jail because she couldn't post bail - and who was featured in an ACLU animated short that illustrated her story. We are also joined by Sharlyn Grace, Executive Director of the Chicago Community Bond Fund, to discuss how we can reform this harmful system.

Episode 12: The Price of Cash Bond

On Talking Liberties with the ACLU of Illinois, we are here to chat about the big issues of the day, both home in the Land of Lincoln and across our country. We are here to help educate and tell you how you can get involved so we work together towards a more perfect union. Each episode features interviews, news updates, events, and actions that you can take right now to protect your rights. Remember: dissent is patriotic!

Episode 12: The Price of Cash Bond

Talking Liberties with the ACLU of Illinois

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