Colorado voters will weigh in on nine statewide ballot measures this election. After reviewing all of the measures, the Civil Rights and Government Affairs Committees for the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region are recommending a “yes” vote in favor of Amendment T. ADL is not taking a position on any of the other statewide ballot measures.

 

Amendment T is a referred measure from Colorado’s legislature that received unanimous support in both the Colorado Senate and Colorado House of Representatives. The proposed constitutional amendment removes language that currently allows slavery and involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for the conviction of a crime. While largely symbolic, proponents argue that the amendment is needed because current constitutional language is outdated and that no person should have to perform involuntary servitude, even if they are incarcerated. Proponents of the measure say that removing “involuntary servitude” language from the constitution may create confusion surrounding inmates working in prisons. Courts have ruled, however, that work requirements resulting from a conviction of a crime are allowable under the U.S. and Colorado Constitutions.

 

You may learn more about Amendment T and all of the statewide ballot measures by reading the non-partisan state ballot information booklet known as the Colorado Blue Book:  www.coloradobluebook.com.

 

While you are studying up on the various state and local ballot measures and candidates, it is also important to make sure that you are registered to vote and that your voter registration, including current mailing address, is up to date. The Colorado Secretary of State’s voter information site is a one-stop site to register and update your information:  www.govotecolorado.com. You may also find important voter and election information at www.justvotecolorado.org.