Amendment A in the 2018 Colorado election: What to know about trying to ban slavery (again)

This is the one that … bans slavery. (Or doesn’t.)
1 min. read
Activists break the chains of a giant pair of shackles after a rally to vote “yes” on Amendment A, to make slavery unconstitutional in Colorado, at City Park, Aug. 28, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Amendment A asks whether to remove slavery from the Colorado constitution.

Here’s the language you’ll see on your ballot:

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime and thereby prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances?

What does that mean?

So ... slavery and involuntary servitude is legal according the Colorado constitution. Specifically, it's a legal form of criminal punishment. If the majority of voters vote yes, slavery will be banned. It's insane that I have to write that.

Who's for it and who's against it?

Democrat state representatives Jovan Melton, Joseph Salazar, Democrat state Sen. Angela Williams, and Republican state Sen. Larry Crowder sent this amendment. In 2016, voters ... didn't vote for the ban. Some backers of the ban blamed confusing ballot language, so good thing you've got this guide.

For: The NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union, Together Colorado, Abolish Slavery Colorado, and too many others to count.

Against: ...

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