It’s a ‘law and order’ election in Georgia – with a twist

On paper, Peachtree City , Georgia , is an American safe space. But beneath the idyllic surface of this Atlanta suburb lie concerns about public safety.

Many Americans say they’re concerned about law and order. That often favors Republicans , but voters in the swing state of Georgia show how the issue has extra complexities this year .

About 35% of U.S. voters say that crime is “extremely important” to their vote, with Republicans more likely to say that.

About 1 in 12 Americans has a felony conviction; about 2 million former felons have had their voting rights restored.

Both candidates are trying to reach an American middle class concerned about crime but also about capacity of the criminal justice system to address deeper social problems.

This summer , Savannah sponsored a Stronger Together initiative that asked residents to take a larger role in addressing crime.

Tougher policing here includes a new law targeting gun owners, making it a misdemeanor crime to leave a weapon in an unlocked car.

Professor Posick, the criminologist, sees signs of a public seeking practical solutions.