Amendment A would remove language from the state Constitution that allows slavery and involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for the conviction of a crime.
The use of slavery and indentured servitude are already prohibited by the state constitution. Amendment A clarifies that slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited in all circumstances.
Proponents, including Abolish Slavery Colorado, argue that the Constitution should be updated because it represents a time when not all people were seen as human beings or treated with dignity. Opponents say the change could result in legal uncertainty around current prisoner work practices in the state.
The measure would amend the state constitution and, under new rules passed by voters in 2016, needs 55 percent of votes to pass.
