Voters End Slavery Loophole at the Ballot Box in 7 States
WASHINGTON — Ahead of National Freedom Day, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) highlights voters’ use of ballot measures to eradicate slavery from state constitutions across the nation. In total, at least seven states have removed slavery loopholes from their constitutions including Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Vermont and Tennessee.
“Enslavement and involuntary servitude is unacceptable — full stop, without exceptions. Over the past several elections, voters have used ballot measures to close constitutional loopholes that permit slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishment. At BISC, we understand ballot initiatives are lightning rods for change, agency, and democracy, and we will continue to support ballot measures aimed at dismantling the remnants of a painful past and building a more just and dignified future for all,” said BISC Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo.
Last year, a constitutional amendment to prohibit forced labor was recommended for the California ballot by the state’s Reparations Task Force, the first such task force in the U.S. The measure ultimately failed to pass.
This month when a series of devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, hundreds of incarcerated firefighters risked their lives to battle the blaze — often while earning less than minimum wage. Several incarcerated people have died on duty in recent years.
“My hope is that other states follow the lead of Tennessee, Vermont and others to remove this harmful language from all state constitutions, and that when voters go to the ballot box, they vote for the dignity and humanity of the incarcerated people who put their lives on the line,” said BISC Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo.
If interested in learning more about these human rights ballot measures, and their legislative implementation, or connecting with BISC Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, please contact Erika Gulija at [email protected].