ACLU, NAACP Host 'Know Your Sheriff' Zoom Forum

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The NAACP's Berkshire County Branch, the League of Women Voters of Central Berkshire County, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts will host the forum "Know Your Sheriff" on Wednesday, July 6, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. 

"Know Your Sheriff" is a public education campaign by the ACLU of Massachusetts to build voter awareness about the life-changing decisions that sheriffs can make. According to the ACLUM, polling shows that many voters are not familiar with sheriffs — but when they learn more, they are more likely to cast a ballot for sheriff in the next election. Polling also shows that voters favor treatment and education over punishment.

Through public education campaigns like "Know Your Sheriff" and, in 2017, "What a Difference a DA Makes," ACLUM hopes to educate and empower community members in Massachusetts to demand safer communities and a more just criminal legal system.

After the presentation, those in attendance will be able to ask questions to the two candidates running for Berkshire County Sheriff, Alf Barbalunga, and incumbent Thomas Bowler.

Both candidates are Democrats and, with no other candidates running, the winner will be determined in the statewide primary on Sept. 6. Bowler is running for a third six-year term; Barbalunga is currently chief probation officer of the Southern Berkshire District.

This event is free and open to all, but non-branch members must register for the Zoom link by emailing naacpberkshirecounty@gmail.com. For more information, visit naacpberkshires.org or aclum.org/en/know-your-sheriff.

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