In November, voters in five states have the power to remove language that allows involuntary servitude and slavery as punishment for a crime or debt from their state constitutions.
In 1865, the 13th amendment of the Constitution ended slavery in the United States following the aftermath of the Civil War. However, this amendment also includes an exception- “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
Language such as stated above also lives in 20 state constitutions, but many initiatives to counteract these loopholes are underway. According to PEW, organizations like the Abolish Slavery National Network work to abolish all forms of slavery or involuntary servitude for all people. In an interview, the co-director of state operations for the Abolish Slavery National Network, Max Parthas stated, “We want to remove offensive language and provide protection for citizens from slavery and involuntary servitude.” See more about ASNN and its vision down below.
Five states share the spotlight on rectifying this issue in the upcoming November Midterm Elections. Voters in Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oregon, and Vermont have a chance to make things right once and for all this year. All five state’s amendments share the goal of prohibiting involuntary servitude in the state by removing previous approving laguage, but contain elements unique to it’s respective state constitution.
The Tennessee Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime for Constitution Amendment amends the state constitution by removing previous clauses on involuntary servitude and slavery while including the phrase “Slavery and Involuntary Servitude are forever prohibited.”
The Oregon Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime from Constitution Amendment adds language that encourages other forms of punishment for crimes or debt while removing all previous language that directly or indirectly allowed slavery or involuntary servitude.
The Louisiana Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for a Crime from Constitution Amendment officially prohibits involuntary servitude for criminal punishment in the state. Also, the amendment will clarify that this does not apply to the “otherwise lawful demonstration of criminal justice.”
The Alabama Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question brings a complete transformation to Alabama’s constitution. This newly drafted constitution rectifies the slavery loophole while also correcting all previous structural/ formatting, racist language, and economic issues.
The Vermont Prohibit Slavery and Indentured Servitude Amendment prohibits slavery or indentured servitude in any form. Additionally, this amendment brings a new precedent to statewide and nationwide politics. Although it prides itself on being the first state to ban slavery in 1777, Vermont is currently the only state which permits involuntary servitude as payment for a debt, damage, fine, or cost.
Nonetheless, this was not the nation’s first attempt at writing its wrongs, and it likely won’t be the last. In 2018, Colorado, Utah, and, Nebraska approved similar ballot initiatives. The future seems bright for many other states with the introduction of similar legislation in California, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, and Texas.
Voters can expect the following amendments to appear on ballots in their respective states on November 8. If voters support these amendments it will be a step in the right direction for the future of American politics.
Please remember to go out and make your voices heard in the upcoming November Midterms. The future of your respective state depends on it. Aspiring voters can register for the Midterm elections here.
