Slavery on the ballot this fall as voters decide whether to amend language to constitution in four states

Residents in four states will have the opportunity to vote on amendments this November that could remove language from their state constitution that permits slavery as a form of punishment for convicted criminals, though not everyone supports the referendum.

Ratified in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in America, but it provided leeway for the practice as punishment for individuals convicted of a crime. Several state constitutions still have language reflecting that loophole allowing involuntary servitude for prisoners, but Tennessee, Louisiana, Oregon, and Vermont are looking to change that this fall.

The Tennessee state constitution was amended five years after the 13th Amendment to state that “slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited by this State.”

That language could soon be changed, however, as voters in The Volunteer State this November have been given the chance to vote yes or no on a statewide ballot referendum to amend the language used in the state’s constitution. 

WHAT YEAR WAS SLAVERY ABOLISHED IN THE US?

Should it pass, the initiative, which has received bipartisan support and is known throughout the state as Amendment 3, will alter the language to read: “That slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited in this State. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime.”

Speaking to Fox News Digital in an interview Friday, Democratic state Rep. Dwayne Thompson, who represents portions of Shelby County, said the amendment “is symbolic in a way” and believes it will pass.

Discussing the language currently used in the state’s constitution, Thompson said it makes some people “uncomfortable” and concluded that it could be used in the future to put a “person in slavery because they’ve committed a certain crime or something.” Thompson said the amendment on the ballot this November “clears all that up” and “prevents any false interpretation in the future.”

Similarly, state Rep. Chris Hurt, a Republican, said in a statement to Fox that he supports the passage of the amendment and insisted that it would send “a clear message” that the state does not tolerate slavery for any reason.

“I firmly support…